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
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Broken spotlight Quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the draft, and the Tennessee Titans didn’t get any love from the schedule makers.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
For fusion fare, dine at Best Friend, spotlighting Roy Choi’s inventive dishes like kimchi carbonara, Kogi short rib tacos, and out-of-this-world Medjool date cake.
—Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
Ditko’s strong views about culture and philosophy kept him well out of the public spotlight at his own insistence, earning him a reputation as a recluse.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Broken spotlight Quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the draft, and the Tennessee Titans didn’t get any love from the schedule makers.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
The leading brand is spotlighting Mental Health Awareness month with a plethora of community classes, wellness partner perks, and a 31-day mindfulness journey, all highlighted on its Mental Health Hub.
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
For fusion fare, dine at Best Friend, spotlighting Roy Choi’s inventive dishes like kimchi carbonara, Kogi short rib tacos, and out-of-this-world Medjool date cake.
—Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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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