Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small piece of jewelry, typically a brooch or ring, featuring a portrait or scene carved in relief on a background of a different color: A cameo is a method of carving where the design, often a profile portrait, is raised from a contrasting background layer of the material.
   • A brief but vivid appearance or role, especially by a well-known person in a film, play, or other work: This meaning extends the original artistic concept to describe a short, memorable appearance that stands out from its context.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Jewelry):
  • She wore an antique cameo brooch at the collar of her blouse.
  • The museum's collection includes Roman cameos carved from sardonyx.
• Noun (Brief Appearance):
  • The famous director made a cameo appearance in his own film.
  • The celebrity's cameo on the TV show was a surprise to the audience.

Advanced Usage

• "Cameo role": A small but distinctive part in a play or film, often played by a famous actor.
  • He is known for his cameo roles in various comedy series.
• "Cameo appearance": A brief appearance, especially of a notable person.
  • The singer's cameo appearance in the music video went viral.

Variants and Related Words

• Cameoed (adjective): Describing something that features or resembles a cameo.
  • The vase had a cameoed design of a goddess.
• Cameoist (noun): A person who creates cameos (rare).

Synonyms

• Intaglio (for the carving technique): A design incised or engraved into a material (the opposite of relief carving in cameo).
• Bit part / Walk-on (for the appearance): A very small acting role with few or no lines.

Related Phrases

• To make a cameo: To appear briefly in a performance or event.
  • The author agreed to make a cameo in the film adaptation of her book.

Idioms

Noun

1. engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)