Paleolithic

adjective

Pa·​leo·​lith·​ic ˌpā-lē-ə-ˈli-thik 

especially British

ˌpa- 

: of or relating to the earliest period of the Stone Age characterized by rough or chipped stone implements

Did you know?

Since lithos means "stone" in Greek, the name Paleolithic was given to the older part of the Stone Age. The first known period of human culture, the Paleolithic actually covers almost all of human history, from the first use of stone tools around 2.5 million years ago until the invention of agriculture around 10,000 years ago. For almost all that time, humans used the very crudest of stone tools, produced by chipping away flakes of stone in order to make an edge for an ax or knife. Near the end of the period, animal bones and antlers were being used for tools, especially pointed tools, and sculpted figures and cave art were being produced. The Paleolithic gave way to the Mesolithic ("Middle Stone Age") period, with its tools made of polished stone, wood, and bone.

Examples of Paleolithic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And the reach of these techniques, as evidenced by similarity-seeming tools at several sites, shows Paleolithic people likely taught skills within their own groups as well as gained knowledge from others. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025

In addition, some of the bones were much older than others, which indicates our Paleolithic ancestors might have been sourcing both newly dead and long-dead animals. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025

Out of Darkness is a prehistoric survival tale: Six Paleolithic characters against a dark force hunting them when the sun goes down. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2024

Out of Darkness, which is showing in limited theaters, is a survival tale: Six Paleolithic characters against a dark force hunting them when the sun goes down. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2024

All this evidence suggests Paleolithic women and men did not occupy differing roles or social realms. —Sarah Lacy, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2023

In true Paleolithic fashion, even meatfluencers struggle to resist the pull of plants. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2023

And while this modern gladiator likens his lifestyle to a more Paleolithic era, the Liver King is one of today's top fitness influencers, with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok enthralled by his lifestyle and diet. —Matt Gutman, ABC News, 13 May 2023

Decoration may have even motivated Paleolithic tailors. —Ian Gilligan, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

paleo- + -lithic

Note: See note at neolithic.

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Paleolithic

• Paleolithic diet

Rhymes for Paleolithic

• chalcolithic
• megalithic
• mesolithic
• monolithic
• neolithic
• lithic
• mythic

Kids Definition

Paleolithic

adjective

Pa·​leo·​lith·​ic ˌpā-lē-ə-ˈlith-ik 

: of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Stone Age marked by rough or crudely chipped stone implements