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. Also . British. 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 calledmarquise 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

The reports suggest the lure of money - with 40 £1m-a-season contracts reportedly on offer for marquee players - and greater periods of rest, will attract big names.

From BBC

With Joe Burrow visiting, the “Sunday Night Football” contest figures to be a matchup of marquee quarterbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Townsend himself acknowledged that his side's wastefulness - coupled with good defence from South Africa - cost them a marquee win.

From BBC

This means that the statewide Senate and presidential elections will likely be called early in the night, but the marquee House races could take days or even a week or so to call.

From Salon

De Ligt, the marquee summer signing, is the most likely to struggle.

From BBC