How to pronounce spotlight
Say it like SPOT-lyte. Spotlight has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPOT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spotlight. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPOT
- lyte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spotlight pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- lyteGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of spotlight
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: SPOT-lyte.
What does spotlight mean?
- a focus of public attention“he enjoyed being in the limelight”“when Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency”
- a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer
- move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent“The introduction highlighted the speaker's distinguished career in linguistics”
- illuminate with a spotlight, as in the theater
Where does spotlight come from?
From spot + light.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying spotlight
How do you pronounce spotlight?
Say SPOT-lyte. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɑtˌlaɪt/. In British English it is /ˈspɒtˌlaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spotlight?
Spotlight has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPOT). Broken into parts: SPOT · lyte.
Is spotlight pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈspɒtˌlaɪt/ (SPOT-lyte).