limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt How to pronounce limelight (audio)
Synonyms of limelight
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

Synonyms of limelight

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Noun

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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
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Noun
Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista, 29, can count themselves among Hollywood’s most limelight-shy couples. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 Yet somehow, the 469 square miles of New York City tend to hog all the limelight. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026 There, limelight hydrangeas decorate a peaceful wedge above the hustle of summertime New York City, and Torres is smiling. — Nick Remsen, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 Three years ago, just a couple weeks before we got married, my husband and I planted a dozen limelight shrubs along the sides of our new home. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limelight

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limelight was in 1826

Phrases Containing limelight

Rhymes for limelight

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Browse Nearby Words

limeless
limelight
limelighter
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Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limelight. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

limelight

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

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

Nglish: Translation of limelight for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about limelight

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