cameo

[kam-ee-oh]

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.

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

Fresh off his first-ever acting Emmy nomination, for a cameo on “The Studio,” legendary director Martin Scorsese is the subject of Rebecca Miller’s five-part documentary series.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The group have since made a cameo on “Saturday Night Live” and performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likenesses not be used in Sora cameos.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Mr Gates' unexpected cameo seems to have brought it back into the limelight - for now at least.

Read more on BBC

For Sir Phil, who made a cameo appearance, it felt like "going through a time warp".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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