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Showing results for pigeonhole. Search instead for Pigeonholing.
Definitions

pigeonhole

[pij-uhn-hohl] / ˈpɪdʒ ənˌhoʊl /
NOUN
compartment
Synonyms
STRONG
box carrel chamber corner cranny cubbyhole cubicle hole niche nook place pocket recess section slot stall
VERB
categorize; shelve
Synonyms
STRONG
assort class classify defer delay dismiss file group hold label peg postpone rank sideline sort tab table
WEAK
hold off hold up lay aside put aside put down as put off put on hold put on ice put on the back burner type cast
Antonyms
STRONG
advance disorder expedite forward hasten hurry maintain scatter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To see how we’ve evolved from the era of pigeonhole desks to today’s Zoom calls, it’s worth taking a close look at 10 landmark inventions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025

"Aerospace has something for people with different backgrounds, different qualifications, there's so much variety. So don't pigeonhole yourself, there really is something for everyone here."

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025

We wanted to cover a wide range of genres and a wide range of eras because we didn't want to pigeonhole the movie that it was going to be all boy band pop music.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2024

I’ve noticed that messages from readers increasingly tend to pigeonhole, label or categorize.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

She had read the name Dr. Lister off a pigeonhole on the wall behind him, because if you pretend you know someone, they’re more likely to let you in.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman