cameo

Star's small role

A cameo is a small carved relief, typically a profile portrait cut from layered stone so the figure stands out against a contrasting background.

By extension, cameo describes any brief but memorable appearance—especially an actor's short role in a film: The director made a cameo as a taxi driver.

The word also works as a verb: She cameoed in the sequel.

appearance

bit part

Small acting role

celebrity appearance · star turn · day player · under five · one-liner · supporting role · nonspeaking

carving

relief

Easing of distress

agate · onyx · coral · engraving · profile · silhouette · bas-relief · lapidary · artisan · craftsmanship

portrait

profile

Side-facing outline

miniature · rendering · depiction · visage · effigy · classical · Grecian · Roman · neoclassical · idealized

jewelry

brooch

Decorative fastening ornament

choker · pin · ornament · heirloom · accessory · adornment · clasp · setting · antique · Victorian

collectible

antique

Old valued collectible

estate · auction · rare · mint condition · appraised · authenticated · collector · curio · treasure · memorabilia

Categories
Opposites
role size/prominence

cameoleading role

Principal character's part

starring role · lead · title role · principal role · supporting role

VISUAL ORNAMENTATION (jewelry/art sense)

cameointaglio

Carving cut below surface

plainness · uncarved

decorative relief style

cameointaglio

Carving cut below surface

engraving · sunken relief · etching

Phrases
Family

cameos, cameoed, cameoing, cameo appearance

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G