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Definition of spotlight

spotlight

/ˈspɑːt.laɪt/
spot · light

Plural:spotlights
•
Past Simple:spotlighted
•
Past Participle:spotlighted
•
Present Participle:spotlighting
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spotlight Lexical Profile

spotlight Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Intense public attention or scrutiny.

Example

"The sudden viral success of her novel thrust her into the international spotlight."


2

A lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly onto a specific place or person, especially a performer on stage.

Example

"The theater technician adjusted the spotlight to follow the lead actor across the stage."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To direct public attention to a particular issue, person, or feature in order to make it prominent or widely known.

Example

"The recent documentary spotlighted the urgent need for marine conservation efforts."


2

To illuminate an object, person, or area with a focused beam of light.

Example

"The museum spotlighted the ancient artifact to draw visitors' eyes immediately upon entering the room."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for spotlight

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a compound of 'spot' and 'light', originally referring to the intense, localized beam of light used in theatrical productions.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spotlight. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spotlight
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