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
Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
As Prince Harry stepped out in London for the second day in a row amid his lawsuit against the publishers of the Daily Mail, his brother and sister-in-law were over 400 miles away, visiting Stirling and Falkirk to shine a spotlight on Scottish traditions that are continuing to connect communities.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The vast majority of child care facilities spotlighted appeared to be connected to Somali immigrants.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
Nearly eight months after being thrust into the national spotlight following an improbable run to the NCAA Tournament, the Arkansas-Little Rock men's baseball team held its annual media day Tuesday ahead of the upcoming season.
—Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
As Prince Harry stepped out in London for the second day in a row amid his lawsuit against the publishers of the Daily Mail, his brother and sister-in-law were over 400 miles away, visiting Stirling and Falkirk to shine a spotlight on Scottish traditions that are continuing to connect communities.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
There is also a unique, artistic three-dimensional sound wave displayed that spotlights the sound GM's electric vehicles create.
—Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The vast majority of child care facilities spotlighted appeared to be connected to Somali immigrants.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 11 Jan. 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 21 Jan. 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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