pigeonhole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“If we embrace narrow group-based identities too fiercely, we cling to the very cages in which others would seek to trap us. We pigeonhole ourselves.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

"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 • Jul. 18, 2025

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 • May 22, 2024

“It’s very unfair to pigeonhole anybody. People see like these big NFL players and they say ‘Do your one job, tackle somebody or run that route.’

From Seattle Times • Sep. 5, 2023

We waited for Mr. Lias at the drug store because Cold Sassy’s post office was in there, a big pigeonhole desk over where the telephone central switchboard used to be.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns