limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt How to pronounce limelight (audio)
Synonyms of limelightnext
1
a
: a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam
b
: the white light produced by such an instrument
c
British : spotlight
2
: the center of public attention

limelight

2 of 2

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

Examples of limelight in a Sentence

Noun an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Clearly, Samsung is prioritising keeping its flagship as competitively priced as possible (and perhaps trying to steal a bit of the WWDC limelight this week) despite battling rising manufacturing costs. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Special occasions celebrators, romantic weekenders, limelight-shunning VIPs, and families who want to be by the water can all be found lounging around the resort. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Yet, rather than stick her face in socials or seek limelight following such hit-making, Perry dedicated a decade to her home-studio’s red light and also recovering from a 2022 double mastectomy for cancer discovered while prepping for elective reduction surgery. A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 4 May 2026 But instead of walking out into an adoring limelight, only a handful of zoo workers and passersby witnessed the pivotal moment. Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limelight

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limelight was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limelight. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

limelight

noun
lime·​light
ˈlīm-ˌlīt
: the center of public attention

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