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)

spotlighted, spotlit, spotlighting. 

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)

spotlighted, spotlit, spotlighting. 

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 focus of attention

verb

1. to direct a spotlight on

2. to focus attention on

Other Word Forms

• spotlighter noun
• unspotlighted 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

They snapped selfies, did dances, tried to top each other with eye-catching outfits and elbowed for the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times

An Indian farmer from the hilly village of Piplodi in the western Indian state of Rajasthan has found himself in an unlikely spotlight.

From BBC

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said while the review had thrown an additional "spotlight" on the challenges facing businesses and consumers as a result of the framework, it had "failed to deliver serious or lasting solutions".

From BBC

Days after an order by India's top court brought the issue of stray dogs in Delhi into the spotlight, tensions have risen in the city.

From BBC

Their ordeal cast a spotlight on the issue of forced disappearances of government critics, opposition figures and human rights defenders in Tanzania.

From BBC

Related Words

• fame 
• light 
• limelight 
• notoriety 
• public eye 
• publicity