Pigeonhole — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈpi-jən-ˌhōl/ pi·geon·hole

Meaning & Definition of Pigeonhole

Pigeonhole (noun)

  1. a hole or small recess for pigeons to nest
  2. a small open compartment (as in a desk or cabinet) for keeping letters or documents
  3. a neat category which usually fails to reflect actual complexities

Pigeonhole (verb)

  1. to place in or as if in the pigeonhole of a desk
  2. to lay aside, shelve
  3. to assign to an often restrictive category, classify

Pigeonhole (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to unfairly think of or describe (someone or something) as belonging to only a certain category

    "She likes to perform different types of music because she doesn't want to be pigeonholed."

    similar: shelve, assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type, array, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, systematize, alphabetize, catalog, file, index, list, refer, identify, recognize, clump, cluster, colligate, recategorize, reclassify, regroup, subcategorize
    opposite: confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify, missort, mistype

Pigeonhole (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in cubbyhole, snuggery

    similar: cubbyhole, snuggery (chiefly British), bay, cabin, cell, chamber, compartment, cube, cubicle, alcove, niche, nook, recess, cabinet, drawer, locker, cavity, hole, hollow, booth, box, crib, loge, stall, bunker, crypt, vault

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pigeonhole

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pigeonhole:

Chiefly British: snuggery
shelve, assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type, array, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, systematize, alphabetize, catalog, file, index, list, refer, identify, recognize, clump, cluster, colligate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Pigeonhole

Words with the opposite meaning of Pigeonhole:

confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify, missort, mistype

Word Forms of Pigeonhole

Inflections: pigeonholed, pigeonholing, pigeonholes

Derived words: pigeonholer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Pigeonhole

First known use: 1577

Words & Phrases Containing Pigeonhole

put (someone) in a pigeonhole

Frequently Asked Questions about Pigeonhole

What does "Pigeonhole" mean?

"Pigeonhole" means a hole or small recess for pigeons to nest. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a hole or small recess for pigeons to nest. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Pigeonhole"?

Other words for "Pigeonhole" include shelve, assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify and compartment. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pigeonhole" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pigeonhole"?

There are 70 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pigeonhole". Common alternatives include shelve, assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment, compartmentalize and digest.

What is the opposite of "Pigeonhole"?

Antonyms of "Pigeonhole" include confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify and missort.

How do you use "Pigeonhole" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pigeonhole" in a sentence: "She likes to perform different types of music because she doesn't want to be pigeonholed.".

Is "Pigeonhole" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pigeonhole" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Pigeonhole"?

"Pigeonhole" is pronounced /ˈpi-jən-ˌhōl/ and divided into syllables as pi·geon·hole.

What is the origin of the word "Pigeonhole"?

First known use: 1577.