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

The Hannah Montana anniversary show was filmed in front of a live audience, and featured live-performance footage; an in-depth interview with Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper; and cameos from Chappell Roan, Selena Gomez, and Cyrus’ parents, Tish and Billy Ray Cyrus. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026

This often inspires a sketch where past five-timers make cameos to welcome the newest addition to the club. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

Does that mean there’s room for an in-universe cameo from Deadwyler and Patel’s spooky predecessors? —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026

Plus, the star sat for an interview about all things Hannah with Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper, chatted with parents Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, and recalled everything from Taylor Swift’s cameo in the Hannah Montana movie to touring with The Jonas Brothers. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026

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