Homo floresiensis

American  

[hoh-moh flawr-es-ee-en-sis, flohr-] / ˈhoʊ moʊ ˌflɔr ɛs iˈɛn sɪs, ˌfloʊr- /

noun

1. a species of small, primitive humans with a tiny brain and large teeth, living about 50,000–100,000 years ago: several fossil specimens, along with stone tools, have been discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores since first discovery in 2003.

2. a fossil belonging to this species.

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Etymology

Origin of Homo floresiensis

First recorded in 2000–05; from New Latin: literally “man from Flores”; see origin at Homo ( def. ), -iensis ( def. )

Example Sentences

Homo floresiensis had a relatively small brain and retained physical adaptations for both climbing and upright walking, rather than being fully specialized for bipedal movement.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

The short-statured Homo floresiensis, sometimes known as the “Hobbit,” was living in Indonesia, while the long-legged Homo erectus was loping around Asia.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2023

In addition, another small-brained species, Homo floresiensis, is known to have used tools and fire.

From National Geographic • Jun. 5, 2023

From the well-known Neanderthals and more enigmatic Denisovans in Eurasia, to the diminutive "hobbit" Homo floresiensis on the island of Flores in Indonesia, to Homo naledi that lived in South Africa, multiple hominins abounded.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2022

This unique species, known by scientists as Homo floresiensis, reached a maximum height of only 3.5 feet and weighed no more than fifty-five pounds.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari