cameo

noun

cam·​eo ˈka-mē-ˌō 

plural cameos

1

a

: a gem carved in relief (see relief entry 1 sense 6)

especially : a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer with another contrasting layer serving as background

b

: a small medallion (see medallion sense 2) with a profiled head in relief

2

: a carving or sculpture made in the manner of a cameo

3

: a usually brief literary or filmic piece that brings into delicate or sharp relief the character of a person, place, or event

his cameos and short commentaries on men and manners

—R. T. Dunlop

4

: a small theatrical role usually performed by a well-known actor and often limited to a single scene

A major star appears in a cameo in the movie.

broadly : a brief appearance or role

cameo adjective

cameo verb, transitive + intransitive

Examples of cameo in a Sentence

He has a brief cameo in the film.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ryan reveals that the Chelsea cameo in the finale is a precursor to a bigger return, discusses whether other characters, including Rose (Luciane Buchanan), would come back along with teasing the high-profile new Season 3 cast members and some surprises. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda on Broadway, and made cameos in the film. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025

Producer Matt Kaplan called him up to gauge his interest in a cameo. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 21 Jan. 2025

The company also worked with Lucasfilm to create a younger version of Mark Hamill’s voice for a Luke Skywalker cameo in the final episode of the second season of The Mandalorian. —Scott Roxborough For The Hollywood Reporter, ARTnews.com, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camew, from Middle French camau, kamaheu

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cameo

noun

cam·​eo ˈkam-ē-ˌō 

plural cameos

1

: a carved gem in which the design is higher than its background

2

: a small role (as in a movie) performed by a well-known actor