Spotlight means to give special attention to something or someone, making them the center of focus. When a teacher spotlights a student's excellent project by displaying it in the hallway, she's making sure everyone notices the good work. When a news program spotlights a problem in the community, it's drawing public attention to something that needs to be seen.

The word comes from theater, where a spotlight is a powerful lamp that shines a bright circle of light on a performer, making them stand out while everything else fades into darkness. That theatrical spotlight makes one person impossible to ignore, which is exactly what the word means when used more broadly.

Being in the spotlight can feel exciting or nerve-wracking, depending on the situation and your personality. Some people love the spotlight and seek it out, while others prefer working behind the scenes. A scientist might find herself in the spotlight after a major discovery, even if she's more comfortable in her laboratory than giving interviews.

You might spotlight an issue you care about, spotlight someone's achievements, or find yourself spotlighted when you weren't expecting it. The word suggests intensity and focus: when something is spotlighted, it becomes hard to overlook.