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

Much of its live entertainment for the 2025 season was canceled this year, as were its marquee seasonal events, including its Halloween-themed Tricks and Treats and Winterfest, featuring Snoopy ice skating.

From Los Angeles Times

But the following season he was on the bench more for Manchester City and, despite winning his fourth Premier League title, was sold to Chelsea, the first marquee signing of their new owners.

From BBC

SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Turns out, the marquee matchup Friday night between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a season-opening showdown between two premier quarterbacks and legitimate Super Bowl hopefuls.

From Los Angeles Times

For Welker, it highlighted the challenge of cutting through partisan filters as she seeks to establish her authority on one of Washington’s marquee Sunday shows.

From Salon

Greenberg wants to see marquee series such as the Ashes between England and Australia - the 2025-26 series gets under way in Australia in 100 days' time - receive greater investment.

From BBC