spot·light
ˈspät-ˌlīt 
1
a
: a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage
b
: public notice or attention
held the political spotlight
2
a
: a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area
b
: something that illuminates brilliantly
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
Examples of spotlight in a Sentence
Noun
They aimed the spotlight at the center of the stage.
A spotlight moved across the stage.
The actor stood in the spotlight.
a baseball star who hates the spotlight
They're always in the spotlight.
The news article turned the spotlight on the city's financial problems.
Verb
She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.
The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Alysa Liu, illuminated by a single spotlight at the center of the ice, skated and twirled and jumped and spun through the same routine that helped her capture an Olympic gold medal three months ago.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Recent reporting has highlighted a softening in demand for destinations in eastern Europe closer to areas of geopolitical tension, with Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece spotlighted due to their comparative proximity to countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
—Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
The menu spotlights locally sourced Japanese dishes—the nigiri and the sushi rolls are excellent—as well as sake and a solid selection of Japanese whiskey.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Alysa Liu, illuminated by a single spotlight at the center of the ice, skated and twirled and jumped and spun through the same routine that helped her capture an Olympic gold medal three months ago.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Verb
Viola’s reaction spotlighted growing frustration among competitors who believe the ruling body is using procedural fixes to avoid addressing biological differences in girls' sports.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Recent reporting has highlighted a softening in demand for destinations in eastern Europe closer to areas of geopolitical tension, with Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece spotlighted due to their comparative proximity to countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
—Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spotlight
1 of 2 noun
spot·light
ˈspät-ˌlīt
1
a
: a spot of light used to light up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)
b
: public notice
2
: a light designed to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area
spotlight
2 of 2 verb
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
1
: to light up with a spotlight
2
: to bring to public attention
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