cameo Hear it!

cameo definition

cameo (kam′ē ō′)

noun pl. cameos -·os′

  1. a carving in relief on certain stratified gems (sardonyx, agate, etc.) or shells so that the raised design, often a head in profile, is usually in a layer of different color from its background
  2. a gem, shell, etc. so carved
    1. a minor but well-defined role in a play, film, etc., esp. when performed by a notable actor
    2. a fine bit of descriptive writing

Etymology: It cammeo < ML camaeus, camahutus; ult. < ? Pers chumāhän, agate

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

cameo Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • feature: This episode features a cameo by American basketball star Bo Jackson.

Adjective modifier

  • brief: There is a brief early cameo of an autocratic matron by the great actress Judith Anderson.

Modifies a noun

  • appearance: He made a cameo appearance in the feature film, The Russia House.

Noun used with modifier

  • minute: Yes, Faith Prince, star of Spin City, gets a two minute cameo here and good for her.

Preposition: in

  • movie: Mr Flibble asked if Jim could, at least, drop in a word with Doug about a penguin cameo in the movie.
cameo usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"cameo." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/cameo>

APA Style

cameo. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/cameo

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