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Definition of spotlight
1a : a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stageb : public notice or attention held the political spotlight
2a : a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small areab : something that illuminates brilliantly
From the M-W Editors
Examples of spotlight in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples of spotlight from the Web
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The Herring-Adams contest could grab more of the spotlight than usual.
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The main stage music starts at 6:50 p.m., with Chaka Khan taking the spotlight at 11:25 p.m.
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July spotlight members are Fuller Air Conditioning and New River Fellowship, event sponsor is Iron Skillet Restaurant.
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For Kentucky freshman Isaiah Briscoe, all that accolade earned him was the chance to be one of several stars competing for the spotlight.
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The familiar food, fun and friendly competition were on display under the sweltering sun but there were also upgrades in the spotlight.
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When the doors finally open, drawing a cheer, the ballroom is dark, apart from beams from blue and white spotlights dancing across the ceiling.
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And if Republicans cannot deliver on their promise of repeal, the health-care spotlight—and some of the burden—will return to the Democrats once again.
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There’s a lot of stunning new music becoming available — and a couple of prominent Colorado trumpeters share the spotlight with the world’s leading improvisers and composers.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spotlight'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of spotlight
1904
spotlight
Definition of spotlight
spotlighted
or-lit
;spotlighting
transitive verb
1 : to illuminate with a spotlight
2 : to direct attention to : highlight
Examples of spotlight in a Sentence
She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.
The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.
First Known Use of spotlight
1907
SPOTLIGHT Defined for English Language Learners
spotlight
playDefinition of spotlight for English Language Learners
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: a device that directs a narrow, bright beam of light on a small area
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: the area of light created by a spotlight
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the spotlight : public attention or notice
spotlight
Definition of spotlight for English Language Learners
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: to shine a spotlight on (someone or something)
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: to give special attention to (something)
SPOTLIGHT Defined for Kids
Definition of spotlight for Students
1 : a spot of light used to show up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)
2 : public notice She's a celebrity but doesn't like the spotlight.
3 : a lamp used to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area
Definition of spotlight for Students
spotlighted
orspotlit
\ˈspät-ˌlit\;spotlighting
1 : to light up with or as if with a spotlight
2 : to bring to public attention
Learn More about spotlight
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See words that rhyme with spotlight Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spotlight Spanish Central: Translation of spotlight Nglish: Translation of spotlight for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spotlight for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spotlight
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