pigeonhole

/ˈpɪdʒ(ɪ)nhəʊl/

pigeonhole means one of an array of open compartments for housing pigeons in a dovecote or pigeon loft. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 80 out of 100.

pigeonhole is pronounced /ˈpɪdʒ(ɪ)nhəʊl/.

Why “pigeonhole” is a great word

PIGEONHOLE — [Noun, Verb] A small, compartmentalized recess; to assign to a rigidly narrow and dismissive category. From pigeon + hole, literally meaning a small recess or hole for a pigeon, later extended to compartments for sorting. Unlike categorize (which suggests a neutral, often useful, grouping) or classify (which implies a systematic, reasoned order), to pigeonhole is an act of administrative reduction, a filing away that ends inquiry. It is the sound of a personnel folder being slid shut, the relegation of a complex novel to a single genre shelf, and the tactile claustrophobia of a too-small space that prevents wings from unfolding—a small, neat tomb for what is complex and alive, a quiet violence against the sprawling, unclassifiable truth of things.

Etymology

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

noun

One of an array of open compartments for housing pigeons in a dovecote or pigeon loft.“Holonyms: pigeon loft, dovecote, columbary, columbarium”
A hole or opening in a door or wall for a pigeon to pass through.“The loft was lighted by a semicircular hole, though which the pigeons crept to their lodgings in the same high quarters of the premises; […] 'Dear Clym, I wonder how your face looks now?' she said, gazing abstractedly at the pigeon-hole, which admitted the sunlight so directly upon her brown hair and transparent tissues that it almost seemed to shine through her.”
One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.“Abbé [Emmanuel Joseph] Sieyès has vvhole neſts of pigeon-holes full of conſtitutions ready made, ticketed, ſorted, and numbered; ſuited to every ſeaſon and every fancy; […]”
One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.; One of an array of open compartments for receiving mail and other messages at a college, office, etc.“Fred was disappointed to find his pigeonhole empty except for bills and a flyer offering 20% off on manicures.”
A compartment or cubicle in a room or other place, especially one which is (excessively) small.“The general size of a store in Tangier is about that of an ordinary shower-bath in a civilized land. […] You can rent a whole block of these pigeon-holes for fifty dollars a month.”
A small opening for looking or passing things through.“However, as my friend came dodging towards my door, I saw him through the usual pigeon hole through which warders speak to their prisoners.”

verb

To construct pigeonholes (noun sense 1 or 3.1) in (a place); also, to subdivide (a place) into pigeonholes.“I had proposed to pigeon-hole the walls of the drawing-room for the reception of the dictionary material.”
To put (letters, papers, or other items) into pigeonholes or small compartments; also, to arrange or sort (items) by putting into pigeonholes.“I would rather have my ashes scattered over the soil, to help the growth of the grass and daisies; but still I should not murmur much at having them decently pigeon-holed in a Roman tomb.”
To arrange (items) for future reference or use.
To put aside (advice, a proposal, or other matter) for future consideration instead of acting on it immediately; to shelve.“[S]everal laws and regulations were enacted for the prevention of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and diphtheria. These laws were not carried into effect: they were pigeon-holed.”
To place (someone or something) into a notional category or class, especially in a way which makes unjustified assumptions or which is restrictive; to categorize, to classify, to label.“Fred was tired of being pigeonholed as a computer geek.”