spotlight

[spot-lahyt]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to direct a spotlight on

2. to focus attention on

Other Word Forms

• spotlighter noun
• unspotlighted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spotlight¹

First recorded in 1910–15; spot + light ¹

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

The shutdown’s length milestone and Election Day could collide on Tuesday, thrusting the federal closure into the spotlight anew and perhaps provoking a fresh push to end it.

Read more on MarketWatch

The shutdown’s length milestone and Election Day could collide on Tuesday, thrusting the federal closure into the spotlight anew and perhaps provoking a fresh push to end it.

Read more on MarketWatch

While they may seem an unlikely duo, Trudeau and Perry – who have both been in the spotlight for the better part of the last decade – have more in common than some might think.

Read more on BBC

If it seems like the Tesla show has gone quiet recently, it’s because its star, Elon Musk, has stepped out of the Washington, D.C., spotlight.

Read more on Barron's

Though the sunshine of free speech remains the best antiseptic against poison, Mr. Carlson is more interested in the spotlight than serious debate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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