noun / adjective
marquee
mar-KEE/mɑːrˈkiː/
A prominent announcement displaying an attraction.
The illuminated marquee announces the theater above its entrance doors.
Etymology
French marquise named an officer’s tent canopy, perhaps suggesting a place suitable for a marquis. The connection to today’s theater sign is through the later meaning “canopy over an entrance.”
In context
As we’re going through the town, the movie theater marquee has two titles
More examples
- Her name appears in bright letters on the marquee.
- The festival books a marquee performer to draw a crowd.
- Downtown marquees advertise concerts, plays, and movies.
Forms
marquee · marquees
Similar words
- sign
- A broader term for a display conveying information or directions.
- billboard
- A large advertising display, not necessarily announcing attractions at its location.
- headlining
- Specifically names the top attraction, rather than anything especially prominent.