marquee

American  

[mahr-kee] / mɑrˈki /

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.

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adjective

1. superlative; headlining.

   a marquee basketball player.

marquee British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of marquee

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

Example Sentences

Some marquee fund managers have held out from launching ETFs, but their numbers are shrinking.

From Barron's

But, once they got it working, it was a revelation, both for Stein and Spielberg, who became Universal’s marquee theme-park collaborator.

From The Wall Street Journal

They have not managed a victory in a marquee five-Test series against Australia or India.

From BBC

The diamond-white pixels perform a little choreographed welcome when the car is activated, like the chasing lights of a Broadway marquee.

From The Wall Street Journal

Morgan healthcare investor conference in San Francisco in mid-January, a keystone event at which companies often pre-announce guidance and earnings and roll out marquee acquisitions.

From Barron's