cameo
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.
to appear in a cameo role, as in a motion picture: She’s starred or cameoed in five films by the same director.
Origin of cameo
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use cameo in a sentence
We surveyed the strange world of celebrity gaming cameos to give you a snapshot of the most successful and the most inexplicable.
Kevin Spacey and the Most Inexplicable Celebrity Video Game Cameos | Amy Zimmerman | May 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTLoved the Fred Armisen, Bryan Cranston, Jon Hamm, etc., cameos.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed on the Big Twist and the End of ‘Vice’ | Marlow Stern | April 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSince the last one was successful, it was really easy to get celebrity cameos.
‘Muppets Most Wanted’: Bret McKenzie Says He Writes Songs in Kermit and Miss Piggy's Voices | Melissa Leon | March 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFrequently her roommates will make cameos on her cam offering some of the appeal of reality television.
From Michael J. Fox to Cindy Crawford, see some of the best celebrity cameos in Super Bowl commercials.
French grace and elegance are united, without constraint, to the beauty of line found in ancient cameos.
The History of Modern Painting, Volume 1 (of 4) | Richard MutherWe cannot speak too highly of the care, good sense, and literary skill with which these historic cameos are cut.
The lines of her neck and bosom charmed him, and her head recalled to him Roman heads seen on bas-reliefs and cameos.
The Precipice | Ivan GoncharovYou have found out already that you are only looking at a chaplet of cameos, with just enough of story to string them together.
Sword and Gown | George A. LawrenceThe shells used for this purpose are chiefly brought from the Levant; and these shell cameos make remarkably beautiful ornaments.
British Dictionary definitions for cameo
/ (ˈkæmɪˌəʊ) /
a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
(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
a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play
(as modifier): a cameo role
a short literary work or dramatic sketch
(as modifier): a cameo sketch
Origin of cameo
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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