noun
cameo
KAM-ee-oh
noun
1
A brief appearance by a well-known performer in a film, show, or song, often playing a minor role or themselves.
"The director made a cameo in his own movie, as usual."
2
A small piece of jewelry carved in relief, usually showing a profile.
"She inherited a cameo brooch from her grandmother."
verb
1
To make a brief guest appearance.
"The retired quarterback cameoed in the sports documentary."
How to Use Cameo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, often surprise, appearance by a famous person in a film or show.
Common pairings
make a cameo
cameo appearance
cameo role
Word Forms
cameoed past tense, cameos plural, cameoes plural, camei plural, cameos singular
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Etymology
From Italian cammeo; the "brief appearance" film sense comes from "cameo role," compared to the small, instantly recognizable carved figure on a cameo brooch.