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noun

marquee

mah-KEE

Marquee (noun) means a large tent used for outdoor events such as weddings or fairs. Example: “They set up a marquee in the garden for the reception.”

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 notes

In 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

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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.

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for marquee

See all rhymes for marquee →

Frequently asked questions

What does “marquee” mean?

The word “marquee” means a large tent used for outdoor events such as weddings or fairs. In plain terms, a large tent for events, an illuminated sign over an entrance, or (as an adjective) top-billed and headline-worthy.

How do you pronounce “marquee”?

“Marquee” is pronounced mah-KEE (/(ˌ)mɑː(ɹ)ˈkiː/ in IPA).

How do you use “marquee” in a sentence?

Here is “marquee” used in a sentence: “They set up a marquee in the garden for the reception.”

What part of speech is “marquee”?

Depending on how it is used, “marquee” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “marquee” come from?

The word “marquee” comes from French. From French "marquise," originally meaning a large officer's tent, itself linked to the word for a marchioness.

How many meanings does “marquee” have?

“Marquee” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large tent used for outdoor events such as weddings or fairs.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial