limelight

[lahym-lahyt]

noun

1. Theater.

   1. (formerly) a lighting unit for spotlighting the front of the stage, producing illumination by means of a flame of mixed gases directed at a cylinder of lime and having a special lens for concentrating the light in a strong beam.

   2. the light so produced.

   3. Chiefly British.,  a lighting unit, especially a spotlight.

2. the center of public attention, interest, observation, or notoriety.

   He seems fond of the limelight.

limelight

/ ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a position of public attention or notice (esp in the phrase in the limelight )

2. 1. a type of lamp, formerly used in stage lighting, in which light is produced by heating lime to white heat

   2. Also called: calcium light. brilliant white light produced in this way

Other Word Forms

• limelighter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limelight¹

First recorded in 1820–30; lime ² + light ¹

Example Sentences

Adele, one of Britain's most popular music stars, released her last album four years ago and has been largely out of the limelight since she ended a Las Vegas residency a year ago.

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After “Cheer” became a hit in 2020, she was cast in Season 29 of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” giving her a taste of the limelight outside of her world.

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But she soon began to steal the limelight on the TV series with her sassy personality and glamorous looks.

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"The way you look aesthetically and fuelling as an athlete are two conflicting ideals. That's hard for anybody in the limelight."

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But Mr Gates' unexpected cameo seems to have brought it back into the limelight - for now at least.

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Related Words

• glare 
• prominence 
• public eye 
• spotlight