What is Spot Used for? (Full Guide)

"Spot" remains a multi-purpose, multiple-

meaning word applied in nearly every part of

 life—whether it is science and sport, travel and

 technology.

 Below are even more applications of "spot" and

 what "spot" means in each of them:

7. Spot in Tech and Software

"Spot" can also be used in technology to point to

 tools, services, or locations in user interfaces.

a. Spot Instances (Cloud Computing)

Utilized by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and

 other cloud providers.

Utilized unused cloud computing capacity at low

 rates compared to normal (on-demand)

 instances.

Suited for interruption-tolerant workloads like

 data analysis or big simulations.

Wi-Fi Spots / Hotspots

Locations where wireless internet exists.

Public "Wi-Fi spots" are common in cafes,

 libraries, and airports.

Mobile work, communication, and navigation.

8. Spot in Sports

Spot is a key term in most sports, noun and verb.

a. In Football (Soccer & American)

"Penalty spot" is where a penalty kick is

 awarded.

In American football, "spot the ball" is placing it

 on a specified yard line after a play.

b. In Gymnastics or Cheerleading

To "spot" somebody is to offer assistance while

 doing flips or stunts for protection.

b. Weightlifting and Bodybuilding

A "spotter" is a person ready to assist in lifting

 weights in safety.

9. Spot in Photography and Videography

Spot metering is a camera mode to gauge light in

 an extremely narrow part of a frame.

Spot focus permits the shooter to select one little

 location for clarity.

10. Spot in Travel and Tourism

Spot or hot spot refers to a crowd-pleaser or

 popular location.

Scenic spot is an attractive or photogenic

 location.

Travelers are interested in finding the best

 places to eat, unwind, or visit in a new city.

11. Spot in Law and Business

Spot Audits

Surprise or surprise audits to check compliance

 with regulations and standards.

Spot Checks

Random, on-the-spot inspections—characteristic

 of quality control, law enforcement, or public

 health.

Spot Buys / Purchases

Irregular or ad hoc buys outside routine

 procurement arrangements.

12. Spot in Language & Idioms

As a temporal expression, it is found in a broad

 array of idiomatic expressions:

Phrase

Meaning

On the spot

Immediately or under pressure

Put someone on the spot

Make someone respond or answer unexpectedly

Spot on

Exactly right or accurate

Hit the spot

Something agreeable, e.g. food or solution

Soft spot

A sense of weakness or fondness for

 someone/something

13. Spot in Surveillance & Security

Spotting is the act of seeing or noticing

 individuals, objects, or threats.

In security, spotters can be deployed with CCTV

 or on the ground at events to look out for

 suspicious behavior.

14. Spot in Education & Testing

Spots in education and testing environments are

 short, unexpected quizzes that check for

 knowledge.

15. Spot in Fashion & Design

Polka dots or "spots" are motifs in fashion and

 interior design.

A spot of statement in a room could be a

 dramatic design feature, for example, a chair or

 work of art highlighted by a spotlight.

Final Thoughts

Having this in mind, you can understand why

 "Spot" is one of the most ubiquitous words in the

 English language. 

It can refer to places, gear, work, people,

 fashions, prices, and so much more. Watching

 how it's used in different contexts helps us

 appreciate the marvel of language—and what

 little words can accomplish.