# cameo

/ˈkæmiˌoʊ/ (US) · /kˈæmɪˌəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cameo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. brief celebrity appearance

noun · CEFR B2

a very short appearance by a famous person in a movie, play, or television show.

For teachers: a brief appearance or voice part by a prominent celebrity in a motion picture or other creative work, often uncredited.

- The famous director made a quick cameo as a waiter in his own movie.
- The audience erupted in cheers when the legendary actor made a surprise cameo during the final scene of the summer blockbuster.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'make'.

### 2. carved jewellery

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a piece of jewellery, often a ring or pin, with a person's head carved into it.

For teachers: a method of carving an object, such as an engraved gem or shell, where the design is in relief against a background of a different colour.

- She wore an antique cameo brooch that had belonged to her great-grandmother.
- The museum's collection includes several exquisite Roman cameos carved from layered onyx to highlight the contrast between the figure and the background.

### 3. to appear briefly

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to appear in a very small role in a film or show.

For teachers: to perform a brief, often uncredited role as oneself or a minor character.

- Several famous musicians cameoed in the documentary about the city's history.
- Although he was a major star at the time, he agreed to cameo in the indie film as a favour to the director.

## Examples

- The famous singer made a cameo in the movie.
- The director asked the lead actor to make a brief cameo in the final scene.
- Her unexpected cameo at the charity gala drew more attention than the main performance, highlighting the power of celebrity presence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.