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

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady are one of the most glamorous couples in the limelight, but their wedding day was a lot more modest than most would expect. — Eileen Reslen, Harper's BAZAAR, "Gisele Bündchen Shares Rare, Intimate Details About Her Wedding to Tom Brady," 2 Oct. 2018 As the couple continues to be in the limelight, here's a look back at highlights from their whirlwind romance. — Jennifer Earl, Fox News, "Katharine McPhee and David Foster's whirlwind May-December romance: A relationship timeline," 1 Sep. 2018 While fashion’s highest levels took steps to keep children out of the limelight, social media offered them an entirely new platform. — Ray A. Smith, WSJ, "Meet the 9-Year-Old Telling You What to Wear," 6 Oct. 2018 Palmer, who got his start in the restaurant industry, typically stays out of the limelight, even in marquee education deals. — Collin Binkley, The Seattle Times, "Little scrutiny in DeVry sale, as DeVos targets protections," 1 Oct. 2018 The other, a professor and research scientist who has spent most of her life out of the limelight. — Celeste Katz, Glamour, "#MeToo Advocate Alyssa Milano: Christine Blasey Ford Has 'Zero Reason to Lie' About Brett Kavanaugh," 21 Sep. 2018 Atlanta may not be the first place that comes to mind for a really stellar cup of coffee since cities like Portland, Sydney, Seattle, Melbourne, Chicago and New York soak up a well-deserved share of the limelight. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Condé Nast Traveler, "10 Best Coffee Shops in Atlanta," 22 Aug. 2018 Just two weeks ago, it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were enjoying some time out of the limelight at a cottage in the Cotswolds. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Where in the World Are Harry and Meghan?," 20 Aug. 2018 Is there a benefit to maybe not being in the limelight in that same way? — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Product Hunt CEO Ryan Hoover says redesigning your app is probably a mistake," 2 Aug. 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.