marquee

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'marquee' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large outdoor tent, often used for special occasions or events, such as a large party or wedding. For example: "We rented a marquee to host our wedding reception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was also important to win a few marquee clients in the first 12 months to prove that the business model worked and that a small company like Tuxedo could win some big corporate clients.

The Guardian

Henson was Oscar-nominated for The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button in 2009 but, before Empire, was not a marquee name.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A few moments later, Australia had a lineout five metres from their own line after Yarde, rounding Australia's marquee player Will Genia – who endured probably his least effective display in the green and gold jersey – was tackled into touch by Ashley-Cooper just as he prepared to dive into the corner.

The Guardian - Sport

The West Side Story soundtrack was a festival of overdubs, with the marquee stars doing scarcely any of the singing.

The Guardian - Film

There was no indication from Sydney FC about whether they had yet secured the services of another international marquee.

The Guardian - Sport

Sawyer is known for anchoring coverage of major news stories, such as the 2011 typhoon and nuclear crisis in Japan, for marquee interviews and for probing and personal reporting.

The Guardian

So the big crowd in Seattle (49,746 – the biggest MLS crowd of the season so far) could have been forgiven for being underwhelmed when they saw the team sheets, only for Obafemi Martins, perhaps the nearest to a marquee player on the field, to quickly justify the price of admission with an inspired 8th minute goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Departing Sydney FC international marquee Marc Janko has fired a shot at the A-League club after it refused to extend his deal, claiming the Sky Blues didn't handle his situation with "honesty and respect".

The Guardian - Sport

He repeatedly raped a young woman after dragging her into the wedding marquee and handcuffing her.

The Guardian

The collaborative process between marquee actress and the "ghost voice" behind the curtain was similar in another high-profile project, when she provided all the singing for Hepburn in My Fair Lady.

The Guardian - Film

L'allée des Alyscamps has an estimate in excess of $40m £27mm) and is a late entry for the marquee May sales in the city held by the Sotheby's and Christie's.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a well-known or highly anticipated event, use "marquee" to convey its prominence and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "marquee" interchangeably with general terms like "tent" or "canopy". "Marquee" often implies a certain level of grandeur or significance, particularly when associated with events or performances.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "marquee" is a noun, referring to a large tent or a sign above a theater. It is often used to denote prominence or importance, as seen in expressions like "marquee player". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "marquee" functions primarily as a noun with a rich history and evolving usage. Originally denoting a large tent or a theater sign, it now also signifies prominence or importance, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and frequently appears in varied contexts, especially within news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. While related terms like "pavilion" or "big top" exist, "marquee" carries a unique connotation of significance and grandeur. When using "marquee", consider its historical roots and evolving applications to effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marquee player

Highlights the concept of a star attraction, akin to a headline performer whose name would appear on a marquee.

headline act

Refers to the primary performer whose name would be prominently displayed on a marquee.

main attraction

Describes the star or highlight of an event, often advertised on a marquee.

flagship event

Indicates a primary or most important event, similar to how a marquee event is heavily promoted.

pavilion

Refers to a similar structure, often more permanent and elaborate than a marquee.

big top

Specifically describes a large tent used for circuses or similar performances.

chase lights

Focuses on the lighting aspect often associated with a marquee, especially in a theatre context.

tent

A simpler, more general term for a temporary structure, lacking the specific connotations of a marquee.

canopy

Emphasizes the sheltering aspect of a marquee, particularly when referring to an entrance covering.

scrolling text

Relates to the informational display function of a marquee, especially in modern digital contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "marquee" in a sentence?

You can use "marquee" to refer to a large tent for events, as in "The wedding reception was held in a large marquee", or to describe a star attraction, as in "He was the team's marquee player".

What are some alternatives to using "marquee"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pavilion", "big top", or "flagship event".

What does "marquee player" mean?

"Marquee player" refers to a high-profile or star athlete whose presence significantly boosts a team's popularity and performance. It's akin to a headlining performer whose name is prominently displayed.

Is "marquee" only used to describe physical structures?

No, while "marquee" originally referred to a tent-like structure or a sign over a theater entrance, it's now also used figuratively to describe something prominent or significant, such as a "marquee event" or a "marquee client".