spot·light
ˈspät-ˌlīt 
1
a
: a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage
b
: public notice or attention
held the political spotlight
2
a
: a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area
b
: something that illuminates brilliantly
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
Examples of spotlight in a Sentence
Noun
They aimed the spotlight at the center of the stage.
A spotlight moved across the stage.
The actor stood in the spotlight.
a baseball star who hates the spotlight
They're always in the spotlight.
The news article turned the spotlight on the city's financial problems.
Verb
She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.
The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
Sae Joon Park is back in the global spotlight.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025
The Polo Bear Cotton Crewneck Sweater from Ralph Lauren, for instance, spotlights a dapper-looking symbol of the brand over a cream background, alluding to the label’s cult-favorite Polo Bear window displays at its New York City flagship that are put up for the holidays.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
These tall, usually slim, cabinets with shelving, spotlights, and glass doors were so popular for a reason.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
Sae Joon Park is back in the global spotlight.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Verb
Stacked on store shelves, spotlighted in home-care roundups and quietly humming in bedrooms across the country.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025
The Polo Bear Cotton Crewneck Sweater from Ralph Lauren, for instance, spotlights a dapper-looking symbol of the brand over a cream background, alluding to the label’s cult-favorite Polo Bear window displays at its New York City flagship that are put up for the holidays.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spotlight
1 of 2 noun
spot·light
ˈspät-ˌlīt
1
a
: a spot of light used to light up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)
b
: public notice
2
: a light designed to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area
spotlight
2 of 2 verb
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
1
: to light up with a spotlight
2
: to bring to public attention
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