View synonyms for

cameo

[ kam-ee-oh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural cameos.

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.
a gem or other stone so engraved.
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.
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)

to appear in a cameo role, as in a motion picture:
She’s starred or cameoed in five films by the same director.

cameo

/ ˈ��æ��ɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
2. ( as modifier )
  a cameo necklace
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
a stone with such an engraving
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
1. a short literary work or dramatic sketch
2. ( as modifier )
  a cameo sketch

Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of cameo¹

C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The 23-year-old back row, who signed a contract extension in March, was a destructive cameo on both sides of the ball in the Tigers' win over Harlequins.

From

The trailer's reference to "mayhem" could hint at a previously reported cameo appearance from Lady Gaga, who recently released an album of that name.

From

When it was announced that you were returning, it quickly became clear that one of the key cameos fans were anticipating with your return is Harvey’s wedding band.

From

Valley historians will enjoy a cameo appearance by the Newport Pop Festival, the biggest thing to happen in that neck of the woods in 1969.

From

"And it's not just a cameo," showrunner Russell T Davies said.

From

Related Words

Camenae cameo glass

Browse