Java man

noun

Ja·​va man ˈjä-və- How to pronounce Java man (audio)
ˈja-
: a Pleistocene hominid known from fragmentary skeletons found in Trinil and Djetis, Java, and classified with the direct ancestor (Homo erectus) of modern humans

Examples of Java man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The advisory committee made a distinction between cultural heritage objects that were looted and those, such as Java man, that were not removed under duress. Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Java man.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Java man was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near Java man

Cite this Entry

“Java man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Java%20man. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Java man

noun
Ja·​va man ˌjäv-ə- How to pronounce Java man (audio)
ˌjav-
: a small-brained prehistoric human being known chiefly from parts of skeletons found in Java and now classified with the direct ancestor of modern human beings

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