marquee

[mahr-kee]

noun

1. a tall rooflike projection above a theater entrance, usually containing the name of a currently featured play or film and its stars.

2. a rooflike shelter, as of glass, projecting above an outer door and over a sidewalk or a terrace.

3. British.,  Also a large tent or tentlike shelter with open sides, especially one for temporary use in outdoor entertainments, receptions, etc.

adjective

1. superlative; headlining.

   a marquee basketball player.

marquee

/ mɑːˈkiː /

noun

1. a large tent used for entertainment, exhibition, etc

2. Also called: marquise. a canopy over the entrance to a theatre, hotel, etc

3. (modifier) celebrated or pre-eminent

   a marquee player

Word History and Origins

Origin of marquee¹

1680–90; assumed singular of marquise, taken as plural

Word History and Origins

Origin of marquee¹

C17 (originally an officer's tent): invented singular form of _marquise , erroneously taken to be plural

Example Sentences

Beyond the marquee names, the rankings’ distinct methodology highlights some institutions that don’t have as much name recognition but still help their students achieve remarkable success.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The company’s results continue to be propelled by sales of its marquee sports games, FC and Madden.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The stage is set for Maiava to make a major statement Saturday, in one of the marquee matchups of the week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"People are aware that a marquee wedding can be more expensive because you've got to hire the ground, the marquee, the toilets – everything. So there is definitely a move towards hotels," he said.

Read more on BBC

His stripped-down, jagged style, absent marquee names and focused on such issues as terrorism and community, brings intelligent urgency to the unfathomable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times