pigeonhole Definition
- 1a small compartment or recess, as in a desk, used for filing papers
- 2to put someone or something into a category that prevents them from being considered individually
Using pigeonhole: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pigeonhole" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I found the letter in one of the pigeonholes of my desk.
Example
Don't pigeonhole me as just a salesperson.
Example
The company is trying to pigeonhole their products into a specific market segment.
pigeonhole Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for pigeonhole
Phrases with pigeonhole
a mathematical principle that states that if there are more pigeons than pigeonholes, then at least one pigeonhole must contain two or more pigeons
Example
The pigeonhole principle is often used in computer science and cryptography.
to limit oneself to a particular category or role
Example
By only taking classes in one subject area, you may pigeonhole yourself and miss out on other opportunities.
pigeonhole someone/something as
to categorize or label someone or something in a narrow or limited way
Example
Don't pigeonhole her as just a singer; she's also an accomplished songwriter and musician.
Origins of pigeonhole
from the resemblance of the compartments to those in a dovecote for domestic pigeons
Summary: pigeonhole in Brief
A 'pigeonhole' [ˈpɪdʒ.ən.həʊl] refers to a small compartment or recess used for filing papers or storing items. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of putting someone or something into a category that prevents them from being considered individually. Examples include 'I found the letter in one of the pigeonholes of my desk.' and 'Don't pigeonhole me as just a salesperson.'
