spotlight
nounverbcommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈspɒtˌlaɪt//
- Canada//ˈspɑtˌlaɪt//
- Australia//ˈspɔtˌlɑɪt//
A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.
noun
- 1
A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.
- 2
The circle of light shed by a spotlight.
- 3
figurativeThe center of attention; the highlight or most important part.
Some people enjoy the spotlight.
- 4
A showcase.
Etymology
From spot + light.
verb
- 1
To illuminate with a spotlight.
We spotlight the star, but the supporting cast has all the great lines in this scene.
The first act of Me & Julie presents Mr. Short in a black tie at his piano, beneath a golden arched proscenium, spotlighted on an otherwise dark stage.
- 2
figurativeTo draw attention to.
The news series served to spotlight corruption.
- 3
Synonym of jacklight (“to use a spotlight in hunting animals”).
Forms
- plural
- spotlights
- past tense
- spotlighted, spotlit
- past participle
- spotlighted, spotlit
- present participle
- spotlighting
- third person singular
- spotlights
spotlight · A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.
spotted · Discoloured by spots; stained.spouse · A person in a marriage or marital relationship.spray · A fine, gentle, dispersed mist of liquid.