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 white hole. Also called pigeon hole,. Printing.,  white space created by setting words or lines too far apart.

verb (used with object)

pigeonholed, pigeonholing 

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

“I’m not going to pigeonhole myself into any plans,” McVay said.

From Los Angeles Times

"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

So think outside the box, don’t be complacent or feel pigeonholed that you have to write in a bunch of magic tricks.

From Los Angeles Times

If that seems like a change from the feminist speculative fiction of her breakthrough, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Atwood has refused to be pigeonholed.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the ideal part for Hamlin, who says that, from the beginning of his career, he fought against being pigeonholed as a leading man to seek smaller, more challenging roles as a consummate character actor.

From Salon