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

He also had cameos as an actor alongside Method Man in the 1998 hip-hop classic “Belly” and 1999’s “Black and White,” and served as an executive producer for the group’s many LPs.

From Los Angeles Times

As the triumphant U.S. men’s hockey team made a cameo, Hernandez was looking at his smartphone.

From Los Angeles Times

The Northampton back row was included in the starting XV for the first time after seven enterprising cameos as a replacement.

From BBC

But she failed to hear her husband Mark's voice on a phone call with Kathy, or see her son's walk-on cameo at the Queen Vic.

From BBC

“We disagree with the complaint’s assertion that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo’, and we look forward to continuing to make our case,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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