spotlight

1 of 2

noun

spot·​light ˈspät-ˌlīt 

1

a

: a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage

b

: public notice or attention

held the political spotlight

2

a

: a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area

b

: something that illuminates brilliantly

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

transitive verb

1

: to illuminate with a spotlight

2

: to direct attention to : highlight

Synonyms of spotlight

Noun

• limelight
• attention

Examples of spotlight in a Sentence

Noun

They aimed the spotlight at the center of the stage.

A spotlight moved across the stage.

The actor stood in the spotlight.

a baseball star who hates the spotlight

They're always in the spotlight.

The news article turned the spotlight on the city's financial problems.

Verb

She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.

The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Brunson’s leadership of the Knicks skyrocketed him into the national spotlight this year as the team made historic comebacks in the NBA playoffs. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

The former New York Yankees starting shortstop, who won a Gold Glove as a rookie three years ago, has been away from the big-league spotlight, playing at Triple A after getting demoted in early August. — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Verb

At the intersection of the global AI expansion and the urgent development agenda, The Next 3 Billion will spotlight the leaders shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for the world’s most ascendent regions. — Semafor Events, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Patrick spotlighted Texas' stance on pro-business, low taxes and no income tax. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

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