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
Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Nigo has mostly favored coed shows during the men’s calendar in Paris since 2022, but had recently uncoupled them to give womenswear a bigger spotlight.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
Last November, Audi spotlighted Uluu for its potential within the automotive manufacturing industry.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
For HOAs and their property managers, the tragedy and the resulting lawsuit spotlight the potentially dire consequences of inoperable gates and dangerous dogs.
—Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Nigo has mostly favored coed shows during the men’s calendar in Paris since 2022, but had recently uncoupled them to give womenswear a bigger spotlight.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
While accepting his award, Lee made sure to call out his family as well, specifically spotlighting his wife Ronni, who was in attendance with Lee throughout the evening.
—Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
Last November, Audi spotlighted Uluu for its potential within the automotive manufacturing industry.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Dec. 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 25 Dec. 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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