limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt How to pronounce limelight (audio)
1
a
: a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam
b
: the white light produced by such an instrument
c
British : spotlight
2
: the center of public attention

limelight

2 of 2

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

Examples of limelight in a Sentence

Noun an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Known mostly for his children’s books, L. Frank Baum has never really been out of the cultural limelight for more than a minute, with new generations of fans discovering his work. Nancy Olson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 She was raised outside of the Hollywood limelight in Bedford, N.Y., about an hour north of Manhattan. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025 The Sanders family is in the football limelight, and for very good reason. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025 The days of Beckham Jr. at the center of the NFL limelight are seemingly behind him as the once superstar receiver has experienced issues with producing consistent numbers while staying on the field since leaving the New York Giants after the 2018 season. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for limelight

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limelight was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limelight. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

limelight

noun
lime·​light
ˈlīm-ˌlīt
: the center of public attention

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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