spotlight

1 of 2

noun

spot·​light ˈspät-ˌlīt How to pronounce spotlight (audio)
Synonyms of spotlightnext
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

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

transitive verb

1
: to illuminate with a spotlight
2
: to direct attention to : highlight

Synonyms of spotlight

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Noun

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But even a spotlight-loving state attorney general and David Ellison’s ambition can’t distract from the noise around United Talent Agency. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 And Renata, initially a side character, gets a bigger spotlight because of scene-stealing Laura Dern. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
Not long after Calderone’s buck was entered in state records, a ticket and violation surfaced, which Craig had received years earlier for spotlighting deer. — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 Below, Entertainment Weekly spotlights the sweet stories of 11 stars who adopted their adorable pets on set. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotlight

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of spotlight was in 1904

Phrases Containing spotlight

Rhymes for spotlight

See All Rhymes for spotlight

Browse Nearby Words

spotless
spotlight
spotlighter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spotlight

1 of 2 noun
spot·​light ˈspät-ˌlīt How to pronounce spotlight (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on spotlight

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spotlight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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