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

My only tangible evidence was a necklace my mother had left behind—a cameo carved into shell that depicted her countenance. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 May 2025

Featuring surprise cameos from notable figures such as Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger, the show sprinkles real-world glam onto its fictional canvas, elevating the Duprees’ storylines with an authentic touch of Black excellence. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 May 2025

Because the movie was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, many of their friends had cameo appearances, and they’re expected to be included in activations the brand will host on the Vineyard and in its stores this summer. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 May 2025

Cardellini is the essence of warmth and smarts, and Campbell Scott offers a commanding cameo as a snooty but not heartless food critic. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camew, from Middle French camau, kamaheu

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for cameo

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

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