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

And with the NHL players returning to the Winter Games for the first time in 12 years, Canada may have had more elite-level marquee players than any team in Olympic history.

From Los Angeles Times

Many families with children, couples and elderly people could be seen under a large white marquee, waiting their turn to see the 13th century skeleton of Italy's patron saint.

From Barron's

As the toy industry gathered in New York City recently for its marquee annual convention, the head of one small company stood out from the crowd, greeted by fellow business owners like a minor celebrity.

From BBC

The estate had already agreed on a deal to sell Allen’s other marquee team, the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, last fall.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is a genuine question over whether he can fill Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a marquee dance partner; Makhmudov is not a crossover name.

From BBC