Limelight vs. Spotlight

Limelightnoun

A type of stage lighting once used in theatres and music halls, producing a bright light by the use of incandescent quicklime.

Limelightnoun

(by extension) Attention, notice, a starring or central role, present fame.

Limelightverb

to illuminate with limelight

Limelightnoun

That part of the stage upon which the limelight is cast, usually where the most important action is progressing or where the leading player or players are placed and upon which the attention of the spectators is therefore concentrated.

Limelightnoun

a focus of public attention;

Limelightnoun

a lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light; formerly used for stage lighting

Limelight

Limelight (also known as Drummond light or calcium light) is a type of stage lighting once used in theatres and music halls. An intense illumination is created when an oxyhydrogen flame is directed at a cylinder of quicklime (calcium oxide), which can be heated to 2,572 °C (4,662 °F) before melting.

Spotlightnoun

A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.

Spotlightnoun

(by extension) The circle of light shed by a spotlight.

Spotlightnoun

(figurative) The center of attention; the highlight or most important part.

Spotlightverb

(transitive) To illuminate with a spotlight.

Spotlightverb

To draw attention to.

Spotlightnoun

The projected spot or circle of light used to illuminate brilliantly a single person or object or group on the stage, leaving the rest of the stage more or less unilluminated.

Spotlightnoun

hence, conspicuous public notice.

Spotlightnoun

A lighting apparatus designed to throw an intense beam of light onto a small area.

Spotlightnoun

a focus of public attention;

Spotlightnoun

a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer

Spotlightverb

move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent;

Spotlightverb

illuminate with a spotlight, as in the theater