Word
caveman
Phoneticscave·man, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkeɪvˌmæn/
UK/kˈeɪvmən/
Countable noun
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.”
Examples
simple
“He acts like a real caveman when he doesn't know how to use a computer.”
contextual
“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.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/caveman