I. spot ‧ light 1 /ˈspɒtlaɪt $ ˈspɑːt-/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [countable] a light with a very bright beam which can be directed at someone or something. Spotlights are often used to light a stage when actors or singers are performing:
The yard was lit by three huge spotlights.
under the spotlights
I was sweating under the spotlights.
in/into the spotlight
She stepped into the spotlight and began to sing.
2 . the spotlight a lot of attention in newspapers, on television etc
in/under the spotlight
Education is once again under the spotlight.
put/turn the spotlight on something
A new report has turned the spotlight on the problem of poverty in the inner cities.
II. spotlight 2 BrE AmE verb ( past tense and past participle spotlighted or spotlit ) [transitive]
1 . to direct attention to someone or something SYN highlight :
The article spotlights the problems of the homeless.
2 . to shine a strong beam of light on something:
She walked out onto the spotlit stage.