limelight

American  

[lahym-lahyt] / ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt /

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.

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limelight British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• limelighter noun

Etymology

Origin of limelight

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

Example Sentences

Ridings had been thrust into the limelight with her Brit Award-nominated debut in 2017, celebrated for her rich, pure-toned vocals on ballads like Lost Without You and the summery pop masterpiece Castles.

From BBC

The war has put all things energy, including coal, natural gas, and oil, in the limelight.

From Barron's

The war has put all things energy, including coal, natural gas, and oil, in the limelight.

From Barron's

As good as he was, I think that took quite a lot of pressure off me as well because there was a lot of limelight on him.

From BBC

And I could see, in playtime, that Karli was also enjoying the limelight just as much as I was.

From Literature

Related Words

• glare
• prominence
• public eye
• spotlight