I. ˈspät-ˌlīt noun
Date: 1904
1.
a. : a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage
b. : conspicuous public notice
held the political spotlight
2.
a. : a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area
b. : something that illuminates brilliantly
II. transitive verb
( -light·ed or -lit ; -light·ing )
Date: 1922
1. : to illuminate with a spotlight
2. : to direct attention to : highlight