What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
floodlight
Example
The football stadium was flooded with light from the floodlights. [floodlights: noun]
Example
The workers used floodlights to illuminate the construction site at night. [floodlights: noun]
spotlight
Example
The singer stepped into the spotlight and began to perform. [spotlight: noun]
Example
The company's unethical practices were brought into the spotlight by investigative journalists. [spotlight: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Floodlight is more commonly used than spotlight in everyday language, especially in outdoor settings. Spotlight is more commonly used in artistic or entertainment contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between floodlight and spotlight?
Both floodlight and spotlight are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.