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

I felt it in that New York auditorium, when the spotlight revealed Daniel Day-Lewis and the audience roared.

From Los Angeles Times

As he stands in the Wembley spotlight with Wales, Bellamy will be his truest, much evolved self.

From BBC

Mercedes' George Russell stole the spotlight from the title contenders with a stunning pole position at the Singapore Grand Prix.

From BBC

John Knight, Hood Century Modern and New Theater Hollywood are on the list of artists to be spotlighted in the Hammer Museum’s much-anticipated Made in L.A. biennial.

From Los Angeles Times

"We can't wait for the national and international music spotlight to shine on our fantastic city, showcasing our burgeoning music industry, hugely talented musicians and amazing venues," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

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