A marquis is a nobleman whose rank sits below a duke. A marquee is a large tent for events, or the lit canopy over a theater entrance, and marquees is its plural. One is a person with a title; the other is a structure.
Marquis vs Marquees Quiz: Test Yourself
Marquis vs Marquees Flip Cards
People mix up marquis vs marquees because the words look related and can sound alike: marquee is pronounced “mar-KEE,” and marquis can be pronounced the same way. They are not related in meaning, though. One is a title of nobility, the other is a structure. Here is how to tell them apart and use each correctly.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquis | A nobleman ranking below a duke and above a count (earl in Britain) | Noun (person) | The marquis inherited the castle from his father. |
| Marquee | A large tent for events; a roofed sign over a theater entrance; headline-level (as in marquee player) | Noun / adjective | The band played inside a marquee. |
| Marquees | More than one marquee | Plural noun | Two marquees were set up for the wedding. |
| Marquess | British spelling of the noble title marquis | Noun (person) | The Marquess of Bath opened the estate to visitors. |
What is the difference between marquis vs marquees?
A marquis is a person with a noble title, while marquees are structures: tents or sign canopies. If the sentence is about a nobleman, use marquis. If it is about a tent at an event or the sign above a theater door, use marquee (or marquees for more than one).
What does marquis mean?
A marquis is a member of the nobility ranking above a count (an earl in Britain) and below a duke. The title comes from French, and the female equivalent is a marchioness or, in French, a marquise. In Britain the title is usually spelled marquess, while marquis is the form used for French and other continental nobles.
The usual English plural is marquises, as in “the marquises of the old court.”
What does marquee mean?
A marquee is a large tent used for weddings, parties and other events, especially in British English. In American English it also commonly means the canopy over a theater or hotel entrance, often carrying a lit sign that lists what is showing.
As an adjective, marquee describes the biggest attraction, as in marquee player or marquee name. Dictionaries trace the word to the French marquise, which English speakers took for a plural, so the form marquee was created.
Is marquees the plural of marquis?
No. Marquees is the plural of marquee, not of marquis. Writing “the marquees of France” to mean noblemen is a common error. The plural of the title is marquises.
How do you pronounce marquis and marquee?
Marquee is pronounced “mar-KEE.” Marquis can be said “MAR-kwis” in English or “mar-KEE” in the French style, which is why the two are easily confused when you only hear them. Context usually settles it: a title goes before a name, while a tent or sign stands alone.
How can you remember which one to use?
Tie each spelling to one idea. The memory tricks below give you three quick ones you can use while editing.
Common mistakes with marquis vs marquees
- The marquees owned a castle in Normandy. → The marquis owned a castle in Normandy.
- Bright lights flashed on the theater marquis. → Bright lights flashed on the theater marquee.
- Guests gathered in the marquis for the reception. → Guests gathered in the marquee for the reception.
- The two marquees of the old court attended the ball. → The two marquises of the old court attended the ball.
- He is a marquis player on the team. → He is a marquee player on the team.
Memory tricks
- Marquis ends in “is”: he is a noble.
- Marquee ends in “ee”: think event, entrance and entertainment.
- Address test: if you could call the person “my lord,” it is a marquis. If it can be lit with bulbs or shelter guests from rain, it is a marquee.
FAQ
Is marquees the plural of marquis?
No. Marquees is the plural of marquee. The usual English plural of marquis is marquises.
What is a marquee?
A marquee is a large tent used for events, or the roofed sign over the entrance of a theater or hotel.
What is a marquis?
A marquis is a nobleman ranking above a count (an earl in Britain) and below a duke.
What is the difference between marquis and marquess?
They are the same title. Marquess is the usual British spelling, while marquis is used for French and other continental nobles.
What does marquee player mean?
A marquee player is a headline star whose name draws crowds and attention.
Conclusion
Remember the marquis vs marquees difference: a marquis is a nobleman, while a marquee (or marquees) is an event tent or a lit sign canopy. Share this with someone who mixes these up, and bookmark it before your next edit.