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

A six-minute cameo at Turf Moor showed the folly of that decision.

From BBC

Boulbina was an unlikely hero, making just his second cameo appearance off the bench at the tournament having been included in the squad after featuring for Algeria at the recent Arab Cup in Qatar.

From Barron's

The blimp even made a cameo in the Beatles’ 1965 film “Help!”

From Los Angeles Times

Golden State Ballet teased Hawk’s “Nutcracker” cameo on social media earlier this month, announcing, “he’s trying something completely new.”

From Los Angeles Times

Even while leading behind the camera, he often appeared in cameo roles in his own films.

From Barron's

Related Words

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