pigeon

1 of 2

noun (1)

pi·​geon ˈpi-jən How to pronounce pigeon (audio)
1
: any of a widely distributed family (Columbidae, order Columbiformes) of birds with a stout body, rather short legs, and smooth and compact plumage
especially : a member of any of numerous varieties of the rock dove that exist in domestication and in the feral state in cities and towns throughout most of the world
2
: a young woman
3
: an easy mark : dupe
4

pigeon

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an object of special concern : accepted business or interest
tennis was not his pigeon

Examples of pigeon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In 2020, however, Jamal started to develop a following on his Facebook live streams, preaching conspiracy theories and other unconventional ideas, including one on how the government uses devices meant to look like pigeons to spy on people. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 Using his laser pointer, Baz will direct his animals to fly into specific areas and scare pigeons to keep them from congregating. Michael Charboneau, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 The citizen project calls for observations from all sorts of environments, including cities with pigeons and squirrels, mountain ecosystems with woodland critters, farms with livestock, and more. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 The small work, just shy of six inches in width, captures something essential about grief: The loss of a loved one dulls the senses, until their memory returns, sparkling like a pigeon’s wing. Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023 The inspiration behind each pigeon’s outfit is Emma’s everyday style—from pops of red and sweater vests, to loafers with socks and Warby Parker frames. Anna Tingley, Variety, 29 Nov. 2023 Her colored jeans were washed and hand-dyed in muted pink and pigeon gray, and fabric remnants were used for the plaid insets in the skirts. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2024 There, police also found cats and 13 pigeons inside the home, according to the Dallas Morning News. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2024 What ensues is a dizzying array of goofs and fake-outs, as Jake proves his cunning through an elaborate plan involving a trash can fire, pigeons, and royal baby costumes. Ew Staff, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pigeon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French pygoun, pijun, from Late Latin pipion-, pipio young bird, from Latin pipire to chirp

Noun (2)

alteration of pidgin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigeon was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pigeon

Cite this Entry

“Pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigeon. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pigeon

noun
pi·​geon
ˈpij-ən
1
: any of numerous birds with a stout body, usually short legs, and smooth feathers
especially : any of many varieties of the rock dove that are domesticated or have escaped from domestication and live in cities and towns throughout most of the world
2
: someone who is easily fooled or cheated

More from Merriam-Webster on pigeon

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