CAMEO Definition & Meaning

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cameo

[ kam-ee-oh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural cameos.

a technique of engraving upon a gem or other stone, as onyx, in such a way that an underlying stone of one color is exposed as a background for a low-relief design of another color.
a gem or other stone so engraved.
a literary sketch, small dramatic scene, or the like, that effectively presents or depicts its subject:
His collection of poetry gives us cameos of contemporary life that we can all readily identify with.
Also called cameo role. a minor part played by a prominent performer or celebrity in a single scene of a motion picture, play, or television show.

verb (used without object)

to appear in a cameo role, as in a motion picture:
She’s starred or cameoed in five films by the same director.

cameo

/ ˈ��æ��ɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
2. ( as modifier )
  a cameo necklace
an engraving upon a gem or other stone of at least two differently coloured layers, such as sardonyx, so carved that the background is of a different colour from the raised design
a stone with such an engraving
1. a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play
2. ( as modifier )
  a cameo role
1. a short literary work or dramatic sketch
2. ( as modifier )
  a cameo sketch

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of cameo¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English cameu, cemieus, chamehieux “engraved gem,” from Old French camaieu and Medieval Latin cammaeus, cammeus, camahūtus; further origin uncertain

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of cameo¹

C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Too Short is onscreen too, in a cameo as a cop.

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Kilmer continued to appear in a range of films but mostly in cameos and minor roles.

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Selena performed a version of the song alongside a mariachi band as part of her cameo in the film.

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On his discharge, he made a number of cameos in TV shows, including an episode of the popular Western, Gunsmoke.

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Patrick Stewart will appear in “Doomsday” as Professor Charles Xavier, after making a brief cameo as the character in 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”

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