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
Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Many of its formulas spotlight gentle actives and barrier-supporting ingredients that help skin look smoother, calmer, and glowier.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
The Delano grape strike and grape boycott helped propel farmworker conditions into the national spotlight and drew support from labor, religious and civil rights groups.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
The 2026 edition will spotlight the Bay Area’s dynamic ecosystem, where championship franchises, emerging women’s sports properties, global events leadership and institutional capital intersect.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Many of its formulas spotlight gentle actives and barrier-supporting ingredients that help skin look smoother, calmer, and glowier.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 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 24 Mar. 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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