noun · verb · 11 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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UK:/ˈspɒtˌlaɪt/
Canada, US:/ˈspɑtˌlaɪt/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Australian:/ˈspɔtˌlɑɪt/
CMU ARPABET:S P AA1 T L AY2 T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The circle of light shed by a spotlight.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The center of attention; the highlight or most important part.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Examples
Some people enjoy the spotlight.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A showcase.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
verb
Meaning 5
To illuminate with a spotlight.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
We spotlight the star, but the supporting cast has all the great lines in this scene.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To draw attention to.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively, transitive
Examples
The news series served to spotlight corruption.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
Synonym of jacklight (“to use a spotlight in hunting animals”).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: jacklight
Antonyms: none provided
8
noun
Meaning 8
a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: spot
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: lamp
9
noun
Meaning 9
a focus of public attention
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
he enjoyed being in the limelight
when Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: limelight, glare, public eye
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: prominence
10
verb
Meaning 10
illuminate with a spotlight, as in the theater
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.