plural Neanderthals
1
: a type of early human being that existed very long ago in Europe
called also Neanderthal man
2
informal + disapproving
a
: a man who is stupid and rude
I can't believe I was married to that Neanderthal for three years.
b
: a person who has very old-fashioned ideas and who does not like change
Some Neanderthals continue to resist the education reform bill.
Cite this Entry
“Neanderthal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/Neanderthal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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