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

Example Sentences

Elizabeth II had to adapt to a world in which the British crown and its wearer were never out of the spotlight.

From The Wall Street Journal

China’s first inflation prints of the year are in the spotlight on Wednesday, which will show if the modest improvements seen toward the end of 2025 have held up.

From The Wall Street Journal

Health screenings, weight-loss meds and better-for-you beverages will take center stage in Super Bowl commercials Sunday, commanding a spotlight once dominated by beer and junk food.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 22-year-old pop star attended Western Canada High School in Calgary, and first came into the spotlight as a contestant on the American TV show So You Think You Can Dance before pivoting to music.

From BBC

The T20 World Cup begins on Saturday in India and Sri Lanka, with a chance for fresh faces to shine in the global spotlight.

From Barron's

Related Words

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