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

Having been restricted to cup starts and cameos, the attacker’s arrival would limit his opportunities further. —Andy Jones, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Perks include merchandise, special screenings, credits and cameo roles. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 June 2025

Kassie portrayed Blair Cramer until the 2012 finale, while James retired his role as Max Holden in 2003, making a cameo in 2007. —James Mercadante, EW.com, 15 June 2025

French film star Jean Reno (Leon: The Professional) will play a new character, a tough French goat cop, in a cameo in the film’s English version. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 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