stone age: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (historical/archaeological), Informal (metaphorical)
Quick answer
What does “stone age” mean?
The prehistoric period when early humans made and used stone tools and weapons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The prehistoric period when early humans made and used stone tools and weapons.
A period or state characterized by primitive technology, backwardness, or lack of development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties; the metaphorical use is equally common.
Connotations
Neutral in archaeological context; strongly negative/pejorative in metaphorical use.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British media in historical contexts; metaphorical use equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “stone age” in a Sentence
the Stone Agefrom the Stone Agedating back to the Stone Agea Stone Age [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stone age” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That's a bit Stone Age, isn't it? Couldn't they use email?
- He has some rather Stone Age views on gender roles.
American English
- Their customer service is totally Stone Age.
- It was like watching a Stone Age negotiation technique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Criticising outdated technology or processes: 'Their filing system is from the Stone Age.'
Academic
Describing archaeological periods and human development stages.
Everyday
Metaphor for anything perceived as very old or primitive.
Technical
Specific archaeological classification (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stone age”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stone age”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stone age”
- Writing 'stone age' uncapitalized in the historical sense.
- Using it as an insult without clear metaphorical link to technology/primitiveness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring specifically to the archaeological period. In metaphorical use, it is often not capitalized.
The Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age).
Yes, it is often used in an exaggerated, humorous way to complain about something slightly outdated, e.g., 'My phone is so old it's practically Stone Age.'
It can be pejorative and dismissive. It's generally safe for objects/systems but should be used cautiously about people or cultures to avoid implying superiority.
The prehistoric period when early humans made and used stone tools and weapons.
Stone age is usually formal (historical/archaeological), informal (metaphorical) in register.
Stone age: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊn ˌeɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊn ˌeɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Stone Age approach”
- “stuck in the Stone Age”
- “barely out of the Stone Age”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
STONE = tools made of stone, AGE = a long period of time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (a period we have moved through); PRIMITIVE IS STONE (hard, unchanging, basic).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, calling a system 'Stone Age' implies it is: