limelight

[ lahym-lahyt ]

noun

1. Theater.
   1. (formerly) a lighting unit for spotlighting the front of the stage, producing illumination by means of a flame of mixed gases directed at a cylinder of lime and having a special lens for concentrating the light in a strong beam.
   2. the light so produced.
   3. Chiefly British. a lighting unit, especially a spotlight.
2. the center of public attention, interest, observation, or notoriety:

   He seems fond of the limelight.

limelight

/ ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt /

noun

1. the limelight
   a position of public attention or notice (esp in the phrase in the limelight )
2. 1. a type of lamp, formerly used in stage lighting, in which light is produced by heating lime to white heat
   2. Also calledcalcium light brilliant white light produced in this way

Derived Forms

• ˈlimeˌlighter, noun

Other Words From

• limelighter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limelight¹

First recorded in 1820–30; lime ² + light ¹

Example Sentences

Rep. Adam B. Schiff is a darling of the Democrats, a fighter and political veteran accustomed to the limelight on Sunday talk shows and on the House floor.

From Los Angeles Times

For Tyson, perhaps the lure of the limelight was too much to stay away from, and the several millions also provided added motivation.

From BBC

The famous "Hollywood Cat," P22, preferred to stay out of the limelight.

From Science Daily

Thrust into the limelight by a confluence of nuptial relations and the U.S. election result, Boulos has become a conversation topic across the region on social media and television talk shows.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump often soured on appointees who seemed drawn to the limelight during his first term, and even the warmest of relationships could go bad.

From BBC

Related Words

• glare
• prominence
• public eye
• spotlight