cameo

American  

[kam-ee-oh] / ˈkæm iˌoʊ /

noun

• cameos
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cameos
  plural

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

Explanation

If your friend gives you a piece of jewelry that has a raised carving of a face in profile showing all the curves and shapes, that’s called a cameo. Often used to show a person’s head in profile, a cameo typically has two layers of color: one color for the subject and another one for the background. The detail is depicted not by color or shades but instead by the raised design, which is called a relief. A cameo is typically used for a piece of jewelry, such as a ring or a brooch, and it has an ornate, old-fashioned quality. You may have seen this type of jewelry depicted in Victorian paintings or possibly worn by your great grandmother.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cameo cameos

He was unexpectedly handed his debut in a 1-0 friendly win against New Zealand, impressing in a second-half cameo and becoming the fifth youngest player to represent the Three Lions.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

Jonathan Burton was a clarion Malcolm, Duncan’s eldest son and heir; soprano Jazmine Saunders had an eerie, offstage cameo as the apparition of the Bloody Child.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

NBA star Jalen Brunson made a cameo, a nod to Hargitay's love of the New York Knicks basketball team.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

The cat made a surprise cameo along with the mega pop star in a pre-recorded segment about the likelihood of Swift appearing at the Emmys.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

Everything followed easily then: a white satin scarf held by Emily’s cameo brooch, patent court shoes—low-heeled, of course—a black dévoré shawl.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

The 28-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game and in his cameos this season has looked far from the level required as a striker who could fire Arsenal to back-to-back titles.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Jolly now appears on Muse billboards in New York and San Francisco, and makes cameos in Muse TV commercials.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

And just as there are occasional celebrity cameos at a Trump rally, there was one at the midterm convention, where early-aughts comic Adam Carolla did a routine.

From Slate ● Sep. 10, 2026

Kelly’s two children, who are now 20 and 22, make cameos in “Too Many Cooks” as part of a video grid.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

The promenades boast animated cameos and portraits of famed courtiers that wink and wave as we pass.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

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