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
Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The latest development puts a spotlight on Miami Dade College’s resolve not to hold a new public hearing on the controversial land deal.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Russ Penuell, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2025
In March 2022, the National Christian Foundation was spotlighting charities providing relief in Ukraine.
—Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
These days, there is a bigger spotlight than ever on tight ends, both in pop culture and through a schematic resurgence across the NFL.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The latest development puts a spotlight on Miami Dade College’s resolve not to hold a new public hearing on the controversial land deal.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Its official video added to the momentum with behind-the-scenes footage further spotlighting the NASCAR tie-in.
—Russ Penuell, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2025
In March 2022, the National Christian Foundation was spotlighting charities providing relief in Ukraine.
—Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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