spotlight

verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

transitive verb

1

: to illuminate with a spotlight

2

: to direct attention to : highlight

Examples of spotlight in a Sentence

She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.

The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Lounge hosts rotating art exhibits, spotlighting thought-provoking pieces like ceramics from Thai artist Bathma Kaew-Ngok and showstopping floral arrangements by Naomi Daimaru. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

From tasting menus that spotlight a single grain variety to butcher counters featuring specific heritage breeds, professional kitchens are translating obscure agricultural choices into experiences diners remember. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026

Starring Ansel Elgort and Thomasin McKenzie, the flick spotlights the friendship between Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

Big cities are sometimes full of controversy, budget battles and politics, but coming up this weekend, organizers say, is an event that spotlights all that is good. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing spotlight

• in the spotlight
• the spotlight
• turned/put the spotlight on
• under the media spotlight

Rhymes for spotlight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids 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