cameo
cameo Lexical Profile
cameo Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, brief character part that stands out from the other minor roles in a play, film, or television show, typically played by a well-known actor or celebrity.
"The director himself made a brief cameo as a newspaper vendor in the opening scene."
A piece of jewelry, typically an oval brooch or pendant, carved in relief with a portrait profile against a background of a contrasting color.
"She fastened her grandmother's antique shell cameo at the collar of her blouse."
A short descriptive literary sketch or character study that neatly captures a person, place, or moment.
"The memoir consists of a series of vivid cameos depicting village life in the 1930s."
• verb
To make a brief guest appearance in a film, play, or television broadcast.
"Several retired athletes cameoed as themselves in the sports comedy."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Italian cammeo, via Old French camaieu and Medieval Latin camahutus, possibly ultimately from Arabic qamā'il ('flower buds'). The theatrical sense of a brief appearance by a famous actor developed in the mid-20th century from the metaphor of a small, finely crafted gem standing out against its background.