Word Noun
caveman
n.
B1 Intermediate US /ˈkeɪvˌmæn/ UK /kˈeɪvmən/ cave·man
Definition
n.a person who lived in the past and used simple tools. It is also a funny way to describe someone who is very old-fashioned or doesn't know much about modern technology.
n.a member of a prehistoric human group, typically associated with the Stone Age. In modern informal contexts, it refers to a person perceived as primitive, unsophisticated, or lacking modern knowledge.
Examples
“He acts like a real caveman when he doesn't know how to use a computer.”
“The museum's new exhibit features tools used by early humans, helping visitors understand the life of a caveman.”
Etymology
From cave + man, based on the supposition that early humans dwelt in caves.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated