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
Jim Sciutto, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
With his big brother gone, Tristan settled into an armchair under a gold spotlight and posed for photos with apparent contentment.
—Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
For this project, the British artist and stage designer has conceived a journey across 15 immersive installations, each titled with an evocative name and spotlighting the work of 500 artisans by framing their work with light, a primordial force that is at the heart of her artistic practice.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
Four years later, the 2026 World Cup will be a first for many, including now 29-year-old Robinson, who will finally get his moment in the global spotlight.
—Jim Sciutto, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
With his big brother gone, Tristan settled into an armchair under a gold spotlight and posed for photos with apparent contentment.
—Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Verb
Founded in 1985, the series returns this summer with a lineup that moves across jazz, classical and crossover music while spotlighting artists at pivotal moments in their careers.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
For this project, the British artist and stage designer has conceived a journey across 15 immersive installations, each titled with an evocative name and spotlighting the work of 500 artisans by framing their work with light, a primordial force that is at the heart of her artistic practice.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 June 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 15 Jun. 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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