What does cameo mean Meaning and Definition
What does cameo mean
Pronunciation
/kəˈmoʊ/)
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A brief appearance or role by a well-known person, especially in a film or play; a surprising or unexpected event or turn of events.
Examples
- The movie featured a cameo by the famous actor.
- The company’s financial struggles ended in a cameo, when they received a large investment.
Synonyms
- Guest appearance
- Bit part
Antonyms
- Lead role
- Main event
Etymology
The word “cameo” originated from the Latin “camera,” meaning “vault” or “chamber,” and was first used in the 17th century to describe a small chamber or compartment in a tomb or monument.
Usage Notes
Cameo is often used to describe a brief appearance by a celebrity or well-known person in a film, play, or other performance. It can also be used to describe an unexpected event or turn of events.
Cultural References
The term “cameo” has been used in various forms of media, including film and television, music, and literature. For example, in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” Tom Hanks makes a cameo appearance as a lieutenant in the US Army.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To make a cameo” means to make a brief appearance or role.
Related Words or Phrases
Audition, guest star, walk-on part
Collocations
“Cameo appearance,” “cameo role,” “cameo event”
Frequency of Use
The word “cameo” is commonly used in modern language, especially in the context of film, television, and performance arts.
Common Misspellings
Cameo, camoe, camo