How to pronounce limelight
Say it like LYME-lyte. Limelight has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYME).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce limelight. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LYME
- lyte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Limelight pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYMESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- lyteGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of limelight
American and British speakers say limelight in essentially the same way: /ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt/ in the US and /ˈlaɪmlaɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: LYME-lyte.
What does limelight mean?
- The intense white light produced when heating lime in an oxyhydrogen flame.
- A type of stage lighting once used in theaters and music halls, producing a bright light by the use of incandescent quicklime.
- Attention, notice, a starring or central role, present fame; spotlight.“steal the limelight”
- to illuminate with limelight
Where does limelight come from?
From lime + light.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying limelight
How do you pronounce limelight?
Say LYME-lyte. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪmlaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in limelight?
Limelight has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYME). Broken into parts: LYME · lyte.
Do Americans and Brits say limelight the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt/ and the British form is /ˈlaɪmlaɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.