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Definitions

pigeonhole

[pij-uhn-hohl] / ˈpɪdʒ ənˌhoʊl /
NOUN
compartment
Synonyms
STRONG
box carrel chamber corner cranny cubbyhole cubicle hole niche nook place pocket recess section slot stall
VERB
categorize; shelve
Synonyms
STRONG
assort class classify defer delay dismiss file group hold label peg postpone rank sideline sort tab table
WEAK
hold off hold up lay aside put aside put down as put off put on hold put on ice put on the back burner type cast
Antonyms
STRONG
advance disorder expedite forward hasten hurry maintain scatter

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

“She’s not necessarily easy to pigeonhole as being a progressive or centrist or moderate,” said Brian Brokaw, a former Harris advisor who ran a group supporting Harris in the primary.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2024

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

I’ve noticed that messages from readers increasingly tend to pigeonhole, label or categorize.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

This bit of common sense, sometimes termed the pigeonhole or Dirichlet drawer principle, can occasionally be used to derive claims that are not so obvious.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos