pigeonhole Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a specific (often simplistic) category
  2. noun a small compartment
    cubbyhole.
  3. verb place into a small compartment
  4. verb treat or classify according to a mental stereotype
    stamp; stereotype.
    • I was stereotyped as a lazy Southern European

WordNet


Pi"geon*hole` noun
Definitions
  1. A small compartment in a desk or case for the keeping of letters, documents, etc.; -- so called from the resemblance of a row of them to the compartments in a dovecote. Burke.
Pi"geon*hole` transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To place in the pigeonhole of a case or cabinet; hence, to put away; to lay aside indefinitely; as, to pigeonhole a letter or a report.

Webster 1913