cameo

American  

[kam-ee-oh] / ˈkæm iˌoʊ /

noun

PLURAL

cameos

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of cameo

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

Example Sentences

Still others — and this may be your cousin — simply want to be near the action, hovering like an enthusiastic stagehand hoping for a cameo.

From Salon

Buddy, though anguished by Odd’s arrival, warms to the idea when he spies Odd stealing Sook’s cameo brooch.

From The Wall Street Journal

After a 25-minute cameo as a substitute against Serbia at Wembley, Bellingham started in Tirana, delivering a bit of everything that makes him such a passionate point of discussion.

From BBC

After that it was mostly specials, cameos and small roles in occasional films or TV shows.

From The Wall Street Journal

He returned on 20 September but ended up as an unused substitute in Real's next six matches before his 14-minute cameo against Valencia last week.

From BBC

Related Words

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