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

And with The Odyssey putting Homer's world back into the pop-culture spotlight, travelers inspired to plan their own Greek adventure now have one more reason to look beyond the islands. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

While problems like these can happen at control towers across the country, the deadly collision has put a spotlight on Reagan National Airport, according to Dave Riley, who worked as an air traffic controller for more than 30 years. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

His content blends high-energy, unfiltered reactions to chaotic internet food hacks with relatable everyday sketches that often spotlight his family life. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

The midterm convention will spotlight the choice Americans face moving into the election, RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft said Wednesday. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 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