pigeonhole

[ pij-uhn-hohl ]

noun

1. one of a series of small, open compartments, as in a desk, cabinet, or the like, used for filing or sorting papers, letters, etc.
2. a hole or recess, or one of a series of recesses, for pigeons to nest in.
3. Also called pigeon hole, Printing. white space created by setting words or lines too far apart.

verb (used with object)

, pi·geon·holed, pi·geon·hol·ing.

1. to assign to a definite place or to definite places in some orderly system:

   to pigeonhole new ideas.

   Synonyms: catalog, categorize

2. to lay aside for use or reference at some later, indefinite time:

   We must pigeonhole this excellent plan until the time is ripe.

   Synonyms: file

3. to put aside for the present, especially with the intention of ignoring or forgetting, often indefinitely:

   to pigeonhole an unwanted invitation.

   Synonyms: shelve, postpone

4. to place in or as if in a pigeonhole or pigeonholes:

   to pigeonhole papers.

5. to fit or provide with pigeonholes:

   The desk must be pigeonholed for all my papers.

pigeonhole

/ ˈpɪdʒɪnˌhəʊl /

noun

1. a small compartment for papers, letters, etc, as in a bureau
2. a hole or recess in a dovecote for pigeons to nest in
3. informal.
   a category or classification

verb

1. to put aside or defer
2. to classify or categorize, esp in a rigid manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of pigeonhole¹

First recorded in 1570–80; pigeon ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

“If within being pigeonholed I can create a rich acting experience — which is why I became an actor — pigeonhole me, go ahead,” Bell says.

From Los Angeles Times

David Axelrod, the chief strategist for the 2008 and 2012 Obama presidential campaigns, told the Guardian on Wednesday that Trump is struggling to pigeonhole Harris with his insults that have varied from racial ones to ones questioning her intelligence.

From Salon

“She’s not necessarily easy to pigeonhole as being a progressive or centrist or moderate,” said Brian Brokaw, a former Harris advisor who ran a group supporting Harris in the primary.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Regarding, Laura's edit: The show needs a villain, and in many instances, they try to pigeonhole someone who doesn't, in any way, fit those criteria.

From Salon