limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt How to pronounce limelight (audio)
1
a
: 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

2 of 2

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

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
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Noun
Turtles are once again in Mexico’s limelight, after authorities announced the rescue of 3,427 freshwater turtle hatchlings at a checkpoint along the San Cristóbal-Chiapa de Corzo highway. Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 26 June 2025 So that spotlight's going on Indiana, the same spotlight on Oklahoma, two states that are not in the national limelight. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025 The people who went to Washington as a result of his decision live in the political limelight. James C. Clark, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025 Protein may be hogging the nutrition limelight at the moment, but amid all the hubbub, don’t forget about one critical carb: fiber. Caroline Tien, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limelight

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limelight was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limelight. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

limelight

noun
lime·​light
ˈlīm-ˌlīt
: the center of public attention

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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