caveman

noun

cave·​man ˈkāv-ˌman How to pronounce caveman (audio)
Synonyms of cavemannext
1
: a cave dweller especially of the Stone Age
2
: a man who acts in a rough or crude manner

Synonyms of caveman

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Examples of caveman in a Sentence

married a caveman who spends all his free time swigging beer and watching sports on TV
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fork-tender caveman-size shank is blanketed in sautéed endive and a bright lemon-egg-dill sauce. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026 The challenge was to figure out what exactly appeared on the caveman food pyramid. — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Ever since the first caveman tricked his neighbor into trading a pile of rocks for some tasty mastodon steaks, con men have been persuading others to act against their own interests. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 There’s a lyric where reporters are wondering why Mullally’s Vera Vim, a fading actress, bought a caveman. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for caveman

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caveman was in 1862

Phrases Containing caveman

Rhymes for caveman

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Browse Nearby Words

cave locust
caveman
caveman diet
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Cite this Entry

“Caveman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caveman. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

caveman

noun
cave·​man ˈkāv-ˌman How to pronounce caveman (audio)
: a person living in a cave especially during the Stone Age
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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