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
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
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
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
1 July 2026
Coaches were impressed with his growth while playing under an intense spotlight.
—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
2 July 2026
These songs spoke truth to power and demonstrated how people can wield traditional music to spotlight the economic anxieties of the working class.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Olympic sports are a matter of national pride in Norway, and Tufte’s success as a two-time world champion and four-time Olympic medalist — including golds in single sculls in 2004 and 2008 — put him in the national spotlight for years.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
1 July 2026
Coaches were impressed with his growth while playing under an intense spotlight.
—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Verb
Kelce spotlighting Swift’s intelligence A true golden retriever boyfriend distinguishes himself by appreciating his partner’s smarts.
—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
2 July 2026
These songs spoke truth to power and demonstrated how people can wield traditional music to spotlight the economic anxieties of the working class.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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