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

A racially charged incident at the BAFTAs and major wins at the Actor Awards have given Ryan Coogler’s popular film fresh momentum in marquee Oscars races in the lead-up to the ceremony.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Tanguy Ndomdole's arrival from Lyon for £53.8m was the marquee signing in summer 2019.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

One, the Rams have been remarkably successful scouring the depths of the draft for marquee talent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Texas typically reports quickly, meaning the contours of several marquee races may emerge within hours.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

I knew that back in the ’808, placing your quarter on a game’s marquee was how you reserved the next turn on the machine.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline