limelight

UK: /ˈlaɪmlaɪt/ US: /ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt/ ,(līm′līt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

lime•light /ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt/   n. [uncountable* the + ~]

1. a position at the center of public attention:
   always trying to steal the limelight.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

lime•light  (līm′līt′), n. 

1. Show Business [Theat.]
   • Show Business (formerly) a lighting unit for spotlighting the front of the stage, producing illumination by means of a flame of mixed gases directed at a cylinder of lime and having a special lens for concentrating the light in a strong beam.
   • the light so produced.
   • , British Terms, Show Business [Chiefly Brit.] a lighting unit, esp. a spotlight.
2. the center of public attention, interest, observation, or notoriety:
   He seems fond of the limelight.

• lime¹ + light¹ 1820–30

lime′light′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

limelight / ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt/ noun

1. the limelight ⇒ a position of public attention or notice (esp in the phrase in the limelight)
2. a type of lamp, formerly used in stage lighting, in which light is produced by heating lime to white heat
3. Also called: calcium light brilliant white light produced in this way