marquee

1 of 2

noun

mar·​quee mär-ˈkē How to pronounce marquee (audio)
Synonyms of marqueenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Multiple Minnesota Republicans are campaigning in what could become a marquee contest among 36 governorships on the ballot in November. Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026 While drama-juicing has never been proven, sports leagues know the value of marquee/large-market teams making the playoffs and championships. Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
With nearly three months left in the 2025-26 season, the UConn women’s basketball team already has another marquee non-conference matchup on its schedule for 2026-27. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026 But instead of proverbial smoke rising above Citi Field, Tucker, who turns 29 on Saturday, will land in Chavez Ravine’s batter’s box — the latest marquee free-agent signing by the two-time defending World Series champions. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for marquee

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of marquee was in 1690

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marquee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquee. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on marquee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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