spotlight
Americannoun
-
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.
-
a lamp for producing such a light.
-
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.
-
the area of immediate or conspicuous public attention.
Asia is in the spotlight now.
verb (used with object)
-
to direct the beam of a spotlight upon; light with a spotlight.
-
to make conspicuous; call attention to.
Newspapers spotlighted the story for a week.
-
to hunt (animals) using a spotlight in order to temporarily blind or confuse them.
verb (used without object)
noun
-
a powerful light focused so as to illuminate a small area, usually mounted so that it can be directed at will
-
the focus of attention
verb
-
to direct a spotlight on
-
to focus attention on
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of spotlight
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.
Vocabulary lists containing spotlight
Theater - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Theater - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Theater - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pratt entered the race in January, turning the spotlight back to the city’s wildfire response.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
The aim, from the start, was not to spotlight people but to illuminate architecture—an inversion of the usual transit instinct to flood everything with harsh brightness.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
I’ll always remember the many laughs and conversations away from the spotlight, and most importantly the way he cared so deeply about his family.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
What’s Next: Retail earnings have been in the spotlight as investors have looked for fresh readings on the consumer.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
It follows us to the back of the lobby where a second spotlight shines down on a boy, fast asleep.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
