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
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Additionally, ensure exterior pathways are well-lit by installing solar lights or motion sensors with spotlights.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025
Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The fund supports global film and television productions that spotlight Singapore as a tourism and filmmaking destination, providing opportunities for local talent and workforce development.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The first two episodes of the show debut June 2, and under Kutler, MSNBC’s chief, MSNBC has begun putting a spotlight on its reach via YouTube and TikTok.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Additionally, ensure exterior pathways are well-lit by installing solar lights or motion sensors with spotlights.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025
Verb
Visually, this issue spotlights 90s minimalism, with its simple and sleek aesthetic.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The fund supports global film and television productions that spotlight Singapore as a tourism and filmmaking destination, providing opportunities for local talent and workforce development.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 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 13 Jun. 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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