# pigeonhole

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɪdʒ(ɪ)nhəʊl/ · frequency rank #75,297

## Definitions
1. One of an array of open compartments for housing pigeons in a dovecote or pigeon loft.
2. A hole or opening in a door or wall for a pigeon to pass through.
3. One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.
4. One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.
5. A compartment or cubicle in a room or other place, especially one which is (excessively) small.
6. A small opening for looking or passing things through.
7. A small opening for looking or passing things through.
8. A form of stocks with openings for restraining a person's hands or feet; also, one of the openings in the device.
9. A seat in the top row of the gallery of a theatre.
10. A notional category or class into which someone or something is placed.
11. A space between two words that is too wide.

## Etymology
The noun is derived from pigeon + hole. The verb is derived from the noun.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pigeonhole