limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt 

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

Synonyms of limelight

Noun

• spotlight
• attention

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

After weeks of seeming sidelined by his boss and the more interventionist members of the administration, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance may appreciate a moment in the global limelight and will be disinclined to leave the talks empty-handed. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

However, panicle hydrangeas like limelight that bloom in the summer. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026

Some of that limelight has spilled onto purple sweet potatoes, with the two mistakenly lumped together as twin tubers. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 6 Apr. 2026

Keep scrolling for Meghan Markle's very best outfits since entering the royal limelight. —Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1884, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing limelight

• share the limelight
• the limelight
• thrust into the limelight

Rhymes for limelight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

limelight

noun

lime·​light

ˈlīm-ˌlīt

: the center of public attention