limelight

noun

lime·light | \ ˈlīm-ˌlīt

Definition of limelight

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam

b : the white light produced by such an instrument

c British : spotlight

2 : the center of public attention

limelight

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

Definition of limelight (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about limelight

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Examples of limelight in a Sentence

Noun

an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And, through her many years in the limelight, she’s racked up quite a lot of frequent-flier miles and become no stranger to the charms of New York. — Vogue, "Deepika Padukone on Hollywood, Badminton, and Living With Depression," 20 Mar. 2019 Georgina Bloomberg Bloomberg's younger daughter clearly feels more comfortable in the limelight. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "What Michael Bloomberg's Daughters Think of His Decision Not to Run for President," 9 Mar. 2019 This year, Grand Canyon National Park will have its place in the limelight, thanks to it's beauty, grandeur and its 100th birthday celebration. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 19 Best Places to Travel in 2019," 10 Jan. 2019 Still, the Grammy nominations, screaming fans, and limelight didn't pull James away from his real dream -- fervent artistry. — Bianca Mercado, Billboard, "Luke James is Hopelessly Addicted to Love on Soulful 'These Arms': Exclusive," 1 June 2018 But who’s going to feel like nodding off, or slump into terminal angst, when Mr. Wolfe has filled the stage with such delectably seasoned hams, who lap up limelight the way their characters throw back booze? — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Review: In an Energized ‘Iceman,’ the Drinks are on Denzel," 26 Apr. 2018 Understandably, that news propelled her further into the limelight. — Zoey Grossman; Fashion Editor: Miguel Enamorado, Harper's BAZAAR, "Hailey Baldwin Gets Candid About Fashion, Family, and Life In the Spotlight," 16 Oct. 2018 But the challenge for moving the Enterprise into the limelight is that the ship was never meant to be preserved for the ages. — Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, "Fully Restored "Star Trek" Enterprise Unveiled at Smithsonian Air and Space Museum," 28 June 2016 Although much of the limelight is on Congressional races and gubernatorial races, US citizens also have the chance to vote on some important initiatives, measures, and amendments that are specific to their state. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "States will vote on these energy and environment issues in midterm elections," 4 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'limelight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.