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

He wasn’t able to find much voiceover work after the gig either, he told Culture Honey later that year, because he was “pigeonholed as the ‘You’ve got’ guy, and nothing ever really came of that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Friendship has given them the chance to explore on stage new facets of themselves as actors who refuse to be pigeonholed.

From Los Angeles Times

So the notion that Marks was pigeonholed as a pass catcher or seen as anything less than a three-down workhorse didn’t sit well with Myles.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

"I wanted a character that was not going to be pigeonholed by preconceived notions about what I can or cannot do," she said.

From Salon