spotlight meaning and definition

SPOTLIGHT noun

Definition of spotlight (noun)

1. a focus of public attention
   • "he enjoyed being in the limelight"; "when Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency"
   • synonyms: glare, limelight, public eye
2. a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer
   • synonyms: spot

SPOTLIGHT verb

Definition of spotlight (verb)

1. move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent
   • "The introduction highlighted the speaker's distinguished career in linguistics"
   • synonyms: foreground, highlight, play up
   • antonym: background
2. illuminate with a spotlight, as in the theater