noun

Neanderthal

nee-AN-duh-tahl

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Neanderthal (noun) means a member of an extinct species of early human closely related to modern humans. Example: “Scientists found Neanderthal remains in a cave in France.”

noun

A member of an extinct species of early human closely related to modern humans.

"Scientists found Neanderthal remains in a cave in France."

Informal and often insulting: a crude, primitive, or old-fashioned person.

"Don't be such a neanderthal about it — times have changed."

adj

Old-fashioned, crude, or resistant to change.

"His neanderthal attitudes toward women shocked his colleagues."

How to use Neanderthal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the extinct early human species, or (informally, often as an insult) someone seen as primitive or backward in their attitudes.

When to use it

The insulting usage is informal and can come across as harsh or dismissive.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Neanderthals

Test yourself on “Neanderthal” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Scientists found _____ remains in a cave in France.

Etymology

Named after the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first fossils were discovered in 1856. The valley itself was named for 17th-century hymn writer Joachim Neander.

Origin: German · First attested 1856

Class of 1856 Neanderthal joined the language around 1856.

mauve tesla

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Synonyms

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Neandertal Neanderthalian swinish loutish oafish boorish

Antonyms

refined

Related words

stupid treated pure improved raw edited evolved sophisticated

Frequently asked questions

What does “Neanderthal” mean?

The word “Neanderthal” means a member of an extinct species of early human closely related to modern humans. In plain terms, either the extinct early human species, or (informally, often as an insult) someone seen as primitive or backward in their attitudes.

How do you pronounce “Neanderthal”?

“Neanderthal” is pronounced nee-AN-duh-tahl (/niˈæn.dɚˌθɑl/ in IPA).

How do you use “Neanderthal” in a sentence?

Here is “Neanderthal” used in a sentence: “Scientists found Neanderthal remains in a cave in France.”

What part of speech is “Neanderthal”?

Depending on how it is used, “Neanderthal” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “Neanderthal” come from?

The word “Neanderthal” dates back to around 1856 and comes from German. Named after the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first fossils were discovered in 1856. The valley itself was named for 17th-century hymn writer Joachim Neander.

How many meanings does “Neanderthal” have?

“Neanderthal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of an extinct species of early human closely related to modern humans.

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