spotlight

Word parts

spot + light

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈspɒtlʌɪt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: spot‧light

Noun

Singular spotlight

Plural spotlights

A spotlight

1. (countable) A spotlight is a bright lamp which shines a directional, focused beam of light.
   1. (countable) The circle of light that a spotlight makes is also called a spotlight.
2. (countable) (figurative) The spotlight is the center of attention, the most important part of something.

   Some people enjoy the spotlight.

Verb

Plain form spotlight

Third-person singular spotlights

Past tense spotlighted

Past participle spotlighted

Present participle spotlighting

1. (transitive) If you spotlight something, you illuminate it with a spotlight.
2. (transitive) (figurative) To draw attention to.

   On the news, they spotlighted the issue of drug use.

3. (transitive) (hunting) Spotlighting is a technique for hunting at night. One person holds a flashlight and illuminates an animal, then another person shoots it.
   • Synonym: jacklight