spotting

Spotting is the act of noticing, locating, or identifying something, often in situations where recognition is difficult. The term is used across many fields, from everyday speech to medicine, sports, and field observation. As a noun or verb, spotting denotes both the process of discovery and a specific instance of it.

In medical vernacular, spotting refers to a light vaginal bleeding that is not part of a regular period. It can occur during early pregnancy (implantation bleeding), around ovulation, after intercourse, or while using hormonal contraception. Other causes include infections, cervical irritation, polyps, fibroids, or changes in hormones. Most spotting is harmless and short-lived, but heavy bleeding, bleeding with severe pain, or spotting that lasts more than a few days warrants medical evaluation.

In fitness and weightlifting, a spotter is someone who assists a lifter during heavy lifts to prevent injury and to help complete repetitions. Spotting requires clear communication, proper stand and hand placement, and readiness to take the weight if the lifter cannot complete a lift.

In wildlife, birdwatching, and astronomy, spotting refers to the act of locating and recording sightings of objects or animals. People may keep spotting logs or use spotting scopes and binoculars to aid observation.

In everyday language, spotting also means to detect a familiar feature or clue in a crowd, or to notice a potential problem or error.