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

And though Lennon was a reluctant live performer, the couple made several television appearances, as well as a cameo with Frank Zappa at the Fillmore East.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Their “Tonight Show” appearance follows their brief cameo on the Season 51 premiere of “Saturday Night Live.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The record features a carefully curated list of guest artists, providing backing vocals, or cameos, and this is when you remember that this is a concept piece.

Read more on Salon

The tool also allows people to upload a video of a human and put them into different Sora-generated environments, in a feature called “cameos.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Glen, it was really fun to see you on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last week talking about the show and your mom’s hilarious cameo.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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