spotlight

American  

[spot-lahyt] / ˈspɒtˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a strong, focused light thrown upon a particular spot, as on a small area of a stage or in a television studio, for making some object, person, or group especially conspicuous.

2. a lamp for producing such a light.

3. a brilliant light with a focused beam, mounted on the side of an automobile and used for illuminating objects not within range of the headlights.

4. the area of immediate or conspicuous public attention.

   Asia is in the spotlight now.

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verb (used with object)

spotlighted, spotlit, spotlighting

1. to direct the beam of a spotlight upon; light with a spotlight.

2. to make conspicuous; call attention to.

   Newspapers spotlighted the story for a week.

3. to hunt (animals) using a spotlight in order to temporarily blind or confuse them.

verb (used without object)

spotlighted, spotlit, spotlighting

1. to hunt by using a spotlight.

spotlight British  

/ ˈspɒtˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a powerful light focused so as to illuminate a small area, usually mounted so that it can be directed at will

2. the focus of attention

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verb

1. to direct a spotlight on

2. to focus attention on

spotlight Idioms  

1. see in the limelight (spotlight); steal the show (spotlight).

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Other Word Forms

• spotlighter
  noun
• unspotlighted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of spotlight

First recorded in 1910–15; spot + light ¹

Explanation

A spotlight is a bright beam of light that shines on people on stage. Actors and rock stars love spending time in the spotlight when they’re performing, but if they’re famous they’re in the spotlight all the time. If you star in the school play, you'll be in a literal spotlight, illuminated on the stage while you sing your big solo number. If some day you're elected President of the United States, you'll be in a figurative spotlight, at the center of intense attention by the public. You can also call this limelight. Lighting experts often call spotlights followspots.

Example Sentences

Pronounced "kutch", Irwin said he invited the Wales family to help name the baby kangaroo as part of efforts to put a global spotlight on conservation.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

However, on days like Monday, when oil prices are once more in the spotlight, it’s a reminder of how far Wall Street’s gains can feel from Main Street’s worries.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Altman’s time in the spotlight is coming up soon.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

“Five minutes to showtime,” said Lil Miss Hot Mess, drag queen and hostess, as Latine drag kings El Daña and Manny Oakley readied themselves for the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The management, sensing a good moment, gave her a spotlight, and the guitarist came forward, strumming a popular American tune with a Spanish flair.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• fame
• light
• limelight
• notoriety
• public eye
• publicity