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
Cathy M. Rosenthal, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
With Lindsey Vonn recuperating in an Italian hospital, the Olympic spotlight has turned squarely on Shiffrin.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
In addition, the Cellar Series, a rotating selection of perfectly aged wines stored under ideal conditions for a decade or longer, spotlights Cabernet Sauvignon that has reached optimal maturity.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
Valentine’s Day tends to spotlight romance, roses and candlelit dinners.
—Cathy M. Rosenthal, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
With Lindsey Vonn recuperating in an Italian hospital, the Olympic spotlight has turned squarely on Shiffrin.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
The shifts do spotlight the race as one that Democrats want their donors and politicos to pay attention to.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
In addition, the Cellar Series, a rotating selection of perfectly aged wines stored under ideal conditions for a decade or longer, spotlights Cabernet Sauvignon that has reached optimal maturity.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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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