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cave man

American  

noun

  1. a cave dweller, especially of the Stone Age.

  2. a man who behaves in a rough, primitive manner, especially toward women.


Etymology

Origin of cave man

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Now, Arsenal is drawing unfavorable comparisons to the kings of anti-soccer and their cave man tactics—only this time, they’re at the opposite end of the table.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 26, 2025

It’s primal, going back to the cave man.

From Washington Post Dec. 16, 2020

A plucky cave man and the rest of his tribe face a grave threat when Lord Nooth plans to transform their land into a giant mine.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 9, 2019

In 1939, Alley encountered the 20th-century scientist Dr. Elbert Wonmug, who sent the cave man on adventures across time.

From New York Times Sep. 4, 2018

Both she and the cave man we captured a little later are under guard in the outer corridor, Most-High.

From The Return of Tharn by Browne, Howard

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