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

The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026

The viral nice guy with a lawn mower in Wichita who got tapped by the Kansas City Royals to mow grass at The K last season is about to step into the national spotlight again. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Verb

The craft and artistry of the art form is being spotlit by popular culture to an unprecedented degree. — Jenna Adrian-Diaz, Vogue, 30 July 2026

The bottom-most level, meanwhile, is spotlighted by a soundproof movie theater, a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, and a wellness wing with a gym, a sauna, and a tranquil rock waterfall. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 July 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