marquee

1 of 2

noun

mar·​quee mär-ˈkē 

1

chiefly British : a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition

2

a

: a permanent canopy often of metal and glass projecting over an entrance (as of a hotel or theater)

The hotel doorman was stationed under the marquee.

b

: a sign usually over the entrance of a theater or arena that displays the names of featured attractions and principal performers

The brightly lighted marquee displayed the title of the movie currently featured.

marquee

2 of 2

adjective

: having or associated with the name recognition and attraction of one whose name appears on a marquee : big-name, star

marquee athletes

marquee events

Examples of marquee in a Sentence

Noun

She dreamed of seeing her name on the theater marquee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During a presentation where the marquee cameos were Mindy Kaling, Anderson Cooper, Charles Barkley and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, Parker stepping out on stage inspired literal squeals of approval. —Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2024

Actor/comedian Kumail Nanjiani will make his Big Slick Celebrity Weekend debut this month, joining a growing list of marquee performers coming to the annual Children’s Mercy Fundraiser. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

modification of French marquise, literally, marchioness

First Known Use

Noun

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1946, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

marquee

noun

mar·​quee

mär-ˈkē

1

: a large tent set up for an outdoor party or exhibition

2

: a rooflike structure sticking out over an entrance

a theater marquee