1. a light at the front of a stage that illuminates the performers
Usage: usually used in plural form; theatrical context
2. the theater or theatrical performance as a profession or activity
Usage: usually used in the phrase 'in the footlights' or 'under the footlights'; figurative

Examples

• The actors stepped into the footlights as the curtain rose.
• She has been in the footlights since she was a child.
• The footlights cast a warm glow across the stage.
• He dreamed of performing under the footlights on Broadway.
• The director adjusted the footlights to better illuminate the lead actor.
• After years in the footlights, she decided to pursue a different career.