What does marquee mean?
A marquee is principally a large sign bearing the name of a theatre, cinema, or similar establishment. It can also refer to a canopy projecting over an entrance, historically providing shelter to people arriving at a venue. In contemporary usage, especially in American English, a marquee is an important performer, speaker, or attraction whose prominence helps draw an audience; the related attributive use appears in expressions such as "marquee performer" and "marquee signing." The word thus operates both literally and figuratively: it can name the visible announcement of an event as well as the leading attraction associated with it. This range of meanings makes it especially useful in entertainment and media coverage, where physical signs, publicity, and celebrity status often overlap. Although the basic sense is not limited to Britain or North America, the figurative sense and its attributive uses are particularly common in American English.
A large sign displaying the name of a theatre, cinema, or other business; a canopy projecting over an entrance; or a prominent performer or attraction.
"Crowds gathered beneath the theatre's brightly lit marquee."
The figurative sense of an important performer or attraction is especially common in American English.
Prominent, high-profile, and likely to attract public attention.
"The event secured several marquee performers."
Usually occurs before a noun; it is particularly common in American English.
The plural adds -s and is used when referring to multiple signs, canopies, performers, or attractions.
"The theatre's illuminated marquees appeared in photographs across the city."
A marquee may be the physical sign above a theatre entrance, but the word can also mean the headline performer whose name attracts the crowd.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marquee come from?
The word entered English in the early 19th century from French marquise, meaning a canopy or projecting covering. The French word ultimately derives from a Germanic root for a boundary or sign that also underlies English mark and margin. Its original concrete sense was therefore associated with an architectural sign or covering, from which its modern figurative sense of a prominent attraction developed.
How marquee is actually used
The sense meaning an important performer is especially common in American English, as in "marquee performer." In British English, the word is also widely used for a sign identifying a theatre or other venue.
Easily confused with marquee
A marquee is a sign, canopy, or prominent attraction, whereas a marquis is a nobleman ranking below an earl.