noun
marquee
mah-KEE
noun
1
A large tent used for outdoor events such as weddings or fairs.
"They set up a marquee in the garden for the reception."
2
A rooftop or canopy sign over the entrance of a theatre, hotel, or venue, often displaying its name.
"The actor's name lit up the marquee outside the theatre."
adj
1
Top-billed or most prominent, as in a headline attraction.
"Signing the marquee player was the transfer of the summer."
How to Use Marquee
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large tent for events, an illuminated sign over an entrance, or (as an adjective) top-billed and headline-worthy.
Common pairings
a wedding marquee
the theatre marquee
marquee signing
Word Forms
marqueed past tense, marquees plural, marquees singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “marquee”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
They set up a _____ in the garden for the reception.
Etymology
From French "marquise," originally meaning a large officer's tent, itself linked to the word for a marchioness.