A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.
2
Broadly The circle of light shed by a spotlight.
3
Figuratively The center of attention; the highlight or most important part.
Some people enjoy the spotlight.
Billionaires like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates are known for their charitable contributions, but not all great givers crave the spotlight. Last night, a Massachusetts general hospital in Boston, an anonymous individual gave an unprecedented donation of two hundred human kidneys. This secret benefactor delivered his gift a few minutes before four a.m. this morning, as seen here in the security camera footage.2008 March 11, The Onion, 00:05 from the start, in Anonymous Hero Donates Hospital 200 Human Kidneys (Comedy; Satire), via YouTube:
We spotlight the star, but the supporting cast has all the great lines in this scene.
The first act of Me & Julie presents Mr. Short in a black tie at his piano, beneath a golden arched proscenium, spotlighted on an otherwise dark stage.1984 April 14, Michael Bronski, “Sophistication and Verve”, in Gay Community News, page 18: