Pigeonhole: meaning, definitions and examples
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pigeonhole
[ ˈpɪdʒɪnhəʊl ]
in a postal system
A small open compartment or cubbyhole in a desk, cabinet, or wall, used for sorting and storing mail or other small items.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pigeonhole |
Typically used in organizational settings, especially in offices or libraries, to describe a specific place where documents or items are kept. Can also mean categorizing someone in a narrow way, often negatively.
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| compartment |
Often used to describe a division or section in a larger container, vehicle, or structure. Useful in various scenarios such as travel, storage, or organization.
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| cubbyhole |
Commonly used to describe a small, snug space for storage. Frequently found in homes, schools, or places where children are present. It often has a cozy connotation.
|
| slot |
Refers to a narrow opening or position meant for something specific. Can be used in contexts like scheduling, electronics, or physical structures.
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Examples of usage
- The postman sorted the letters into each pigeonhole according to the street address.
- She found a stack of unopened mail in her pigeonhole at work.
in a bureaucratic context
To assign or categorize someone or something in a specific, often oversimplified way, without considering individual differences or complexities.
Synonyms
categorize, label, stereotype.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pigeonhole |
When you want to describe putting someone or something into a narrow or limited category, often with a negative connotation.
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| categorize |
In general contexts when you need to arrange or organize people or things into specific groups or classes based on shared characteristics.
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| stereotype |
When you speak about a widely held but oversimplified and fixed idea of a particular type of person or thing, usually carrying a negative connotation.
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| label |
When referring to attaching a tag or name to someone or something, often with a potential for both positive and negative implications.
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Examples of usage
- Don't pigeonhole him as just a comedian, he is a talented actor as well.
- We shouldn't pigeonhole this issue into a simple 'right' or 'wrong' category.
Translations
Translations of the word "pigeonhole" in other languages:
🇵🇹 compartimento
🇮🇳 कबूतरखाना
🇩🇪 Postfach
🇮🇩 kotak surat
🇺🇦 поштовий ящик
🇵🇱 przegródka
🇯🇵 仕切り箱
🇫🇷 casier
🇪🇸 casillero
🇹🇷 güvercin deliği
🇰🇷 우편함
🇸🇦 صندوق البريد
🇨🇿 přihrádka
🇸🇰 priehradka
🇨🇳 信箱
🇸🇮 predalček
🇮🇸 pósthólf
🇰🇿 пошта жәшігі
🇬🇪 საფოსტო ყუთი
🇦🇿 poçt qutusu
🇲🇽 casillero
Etymology
The term 'pigeonhole' originated in the 17th century, referring to the small compartments used by pigeon fanciers to house their birds. Over time, it evolved to describe the small compartments or slots used for sorting and storing mail or other items. The verb form, meaning to categorize or label in a simplistic way, emerged later in the 20th century, likely influenced by the physical pigeonholes used in organizational contexts.