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

The US is also under the spotlight at the conference, following the election victory of Donald Trump - a known climate sceptic.

From BBC

Now that spotlight can be used to highlight the strength and competitiveness of the league overall.

From Los Angeles Times

The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.

From Los Angeles Times

In Liam Payne’s words and interviews with friends and collaborators, the late pop star emerges as a talent struggling with addiction in the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Bates vs The Post Office thrust the scandal back into the spotlight after it aired.

From BBC

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• illuminate
• point up
• publicize