Sekirov Dictionary

pigeonhole

UK /ˈpɪdʒ(ɪ)nhəʊl/US /ˈpɪdʒənˌ(h)oʊl/

noun 11
verb 5
forms 3

noun11

One of an array of open compartments for housing pigeons in a dovecote or pigeon loft.
•
One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.
- Abbé [Emmanuel Joseph] Sieyès has vvhole nests of pigeon-holes full of constitutions ready made, ticketed, sorted, and numbered; suited to every season and every fancy; […] — 1796
•
One of an array of open compartments for receiving mail and other messages at a college, office, etc.
- Fred was disappointed to find his pigeonhole empty except for bills and a flyer offering 20% off on manicures.
•
(figurative) A notional category or class into which someone or something is placed.
- The Beat writers had very different styles and disliked the invented term and pigeonhole forced upon them. — 2007
•
A compartment or cubicle in a room or other place, especially one which is (excessively) small.
- The general size of a store in Tangier is about that of an ordinary shower-bath in a civilized land. […] You can rent a whole block of these pigeon-holes for fifty dollars a month. — 1869
•
A small opening for looking or passing things through.
- However, as my friend came dodging towards my door, I saw him through the usual pigeon hole through which warders speak to their prisoners. — 1962
•
[before a noun, in the plural] (historical) A form of stocks with openings for restraining a person's hands or feet; also, one of the openings in the device.
- [D]ovvne vvith him in his Maiesties name, dovvne, dovvne vvith him, and carry him avvay, to the pigeon-holes. — 1614
(no longer used) A hole or opening in a door or wall for a pigeon to pass through.
(no longer used) An opening in a ship for passing equipment such as an oar or rigging through.
•
(no longer used) A seat in the top row of the gallery of a theatre.
- The Play is done: For from the Pigeon-hole / I heard them hiss the Curtain as it fell. — 1732
(figurative, no longer used) A space between two words that is too wide.

verb5

•
To put (letters, papers, or other items) into pigeonholes or small compartments; also, to arrange or sort (items) by putting into pigeonholes.
- I would rather have my ashes scattered over the soil, to help the growth of the grass and daisies; but still I should not murmur much at having them decently pigeon-holed in a Roman tomb. — 1858
•
(figurative) To place (someone or something) into a notional category or class, especially in a way which makes unjustified assumptions or which is restrictive; to categorize, to classify, to label.
- Fred was tired of being pigeonholed as a computer geek.
•
(figurative) To put aside (advice, a proposal, or other matter) for future consideration instead of acting on it immediately; to shelve.
- [S]everal laws and regulations were enacted for the prevention of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and diphtheria. These laws were not carried into effect: they were pigeon-holed. — 1910
(figurative) To arrange (items) for future reference or use.
To construct pigeonholes in (a place); also, to subdivide (a place) into pigeonholes.

forms

pigeonholed · pigeonholing · pigeonholes

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