spotlight

1 of 2

noun

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

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

transitive verb

1

: to illuminate with a spotlight

2

: to direct attention to : highlight

Synonyms of spotlight

Noun

• limelight
• attention

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

Noun

Hoover will step into a much brighter spotlight, and his ability to take care of the ball will come under a lot of scrutiny — something TCU coach Sonny Dykes highlighted this offseason. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026

The new data showing an uptick in enforcement activity follows backlash over recent fatal shootings, one in Texas and one in Maine, that again thrust the agency into the national spotlight. — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Verb

The exhibition will spotlight new technology shaping the industry today, including automation, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing tools. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Family, students and curators are digitizing her vast archive and spotlighting early wearable art, even as multiple generations credit Saar’s fearless vision with expanding possibilities for Black womanhood and American art. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing spotlight

• in the spotlight
• the spotlight
• turned/put the spotlight on
• under the media spotlight

Rhymes for spotlight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids 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