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.

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Etymology

Origin of cave man

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

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

She thinks of her early work — microtonal software creations that could run for hours — “as my cave man music,” she said.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

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

With loud yells and frightful threats beating against his ears, the cave man vanished into the tangled maze beyond the clearing.

From Warrior of the Dawn by Browne, Howard