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 is interviewed by a chef played by Ripert, in a cameo.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Hitchcock became a star, easily recognized by audiences, largely due to self-generated efforts: hosting his own television series and making cameo appearances in his features.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Social media users were also split, with one viewer writing that Meghan was "warm, gracious and a delight to watch" while another called Prince Harry's cameo appearance "cringe".

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

“Even if Alice were to decide that they wanted to make a TV show about another character in the universe of ‘Heartstopper’ and they wanted us to cameo or something, then, hey, maybe.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

The cameo at her throat was the size of a stove lid.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

The superintendent himself served as the master of ceremonies, with performers weaving around him, cameos by celebrities, and slide projections and film sequences appearing on cue to supplement his applause and laugh lines.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Allman’s cameos on the show include unglamorous moments like renting out pressure washers or squeezing blood from a raw venison patty and cooking it in cream sauce for dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

The most recent series also featured cameos from Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

But what if they turn out to play cameos?

From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 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