cameo

[ kam-ee-oh ]

noun

, plural cam·e·os.

1. a technique of engraving upon a gem or other stone, as onyx, in such a way that an underlying stone of one color is exposed as a background for a low-relief design of another color.
2. a gem or other stone so engraved.
3. a literary sketch, small dramatic scene, or the like, that effectively presents or depicts its subject:

   His collection of poetry gives us cameos of contemporary life that we can all readily identify with.

4. Also called cameo role. a minor part played by a prominent performer or celebrity in a single scene of a motion picture, play, or television show.

verb (used without object)

1. to appear in a cameo role, as in a motion picture:

   She’s starred or cameoed in five films by the same director.

cameo

/ ˈkæmɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. 1. a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cameo necklace

2. an engraving upon a gem or other stone of at least two differently coloured layers, such as sardonyx, so carved that the background is of a different colour from the raised design
3. a stone with such an engraving
4. 1. a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cameo role

5. 1. a short literary work or dramatic sketch
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cameo sketch

Word History and Origins

Origin of cameo¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English cameu, cemieus, chamehieux “engraved gem,” from Old French camaieu and Medieval Latin cammaeus, cammeus, camahūtus; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of cameo¹

C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

He had cameo roles in the 1999 movie Human Traffic, appeared on TV shows including Never Mind the Buzzcocks, collaborated on songs with the Super Furry Animals and made appearances at Glastonbury festival.

From BBC

The 21-year-old Prendergast and Jamie Osborne, 22, in particular caught the eye in their cameos as Farrell weighs up how best to integrate the next generation into his side moving forward.

From BBC

The songwriter and super-producer worked on ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ songs before going on to produce the movie’s soundtrack — along with a cameo role voicing his own character, the Metro Spider.

From Los Angeles Times

He even made a cameo as a nightclub singer in the 2013 film “American Hustle.”

From Los Angeles Times

Both Joseph and Matthews departed inside two overs to give England hope, but Deandra Dottin's cameo of 27 from 19 balls swung momentum back in West Indies' favour.

From BBC

Related Words

• bracelet
• brooch
• costume
• earring
• gem
• glass
• gold
• jewel
• knickknack
• necklace
• ornament
• pendant
• silver
• tiara
• treasure
• trinket