Other forms: Neanderthals; Neanderthaler
Neanderthals, now extinct, were ancient relatives of today's humans. When you think of a typical "caveman," you're probably picturing a Neanderthal.
Humans didn't evolve directly from Neanderthals, but we share a common ancestor. There's also scientific evidence that early humans interbred with Neanderthals — some people even have a tiny bit of Neanderthal DNA! Because they lived in areas with limestone caves that preserved evidence of their existence, these hominids have been extensively studied. Neanderthal is from the Neander Valley where fossils were discovered; it's also a slang term meaning "big, dumb person."