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

Both made the pivot from Vine to YouTube, both have cameos in the iconique Eddy Burback/Ted Nivison Margaritaville/Rainforest Cafe series. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Schaeffer also didn’t rely on cameos as a way to provide that degree of gratification. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

At some point, Gavi might also enjoy more time on the pitch after three short cameos in Barca's last three outings. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

In a surprise appearance, Vice President Kamala Harris joined Saturday Night Live on November 2, just three days before the 2024 Presidential election, for a playful cameo alongside Maya Rudolph, who’s been portraying her all season. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 3 Nov. 2024

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