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)

, spot·light·ed or spot·lit, spot·light·ing.

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)

, spot·light·ed or spot·lit, spot·light·ing.

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 spotlight
   the focus of attention

verb

1. to direct a spotlight on
2. to focus attention on

Other Words From

• spotlighter noun
• un·spotlighted 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

Chancellor Rachel Reeves's CV came under the spotlight at Prime Minister's Questions, following claims she had embellished some of her past achievements.

From BBC

But Murray admits he didn’t handle the spotlight well.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers value players who get stronger under the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times

The idea of legally restricting social media for young people has come into the spotlight after Australia's government said it would introduce legislation to ban children under 16 from social media.

From BBC

In the weeks running up to the film's release the close relationship between Grande and her co-star Cynthia Erivo has been in the spotlight.

From BBC

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• illuminate
• point up
• publicize