Stone Age

1 of 2

noun

1
: the first known period of prehistoric human culture characterized by the use of stone tools compare mesolithic, neolithic, paleolithic
2
: a stage in a human institution or field of endeavor regarded as primitive, outmoded, or obsolete
the Stone Age of information handling before computers

Stone Age

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or resembling the culture of the Stone Age especially in the use of stone implements
modern Stone Age peoples
our Stone Age ancestors
2
: primitive, outmoded, or unsophisticated (as in ideas or technology) by currently accepted standards
marauding mercenaries with Stone Age political ideasRobert Moss
using a Stone Age camera

Examples of Stone Age in a Sentence

Adjective Stone Age attitudes about the raising of children.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Earlier theories held that Stone Age humans might have made a single important technological advance or developed a new way of sharing information, but researchers haven’t found evidence to back that up. Christina Larson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025 This led to the discovery of an even older artifact related to the Middle Stone Age, dating between 9650 and 4900 B.C. Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 The process was an ironic combination of Stone Age communications and 20th century technology. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 Scholars believe Stonehenge may have been used as a calendar in the New Stone Age. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Stone Age

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Stone Age was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Stone Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Stone%20Age. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

Stone Age

noun
: the oldest period in which human beings are known to have existed that is marked by the use of stone tools

More from Merriam-Webster on Stone Age

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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