pigeon

¹pi·geon

noun \ˈpi-jən\

Definition of PIGEON

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

: clay pigeon

Origin of PIGEON

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

Rhymes with PIGEON

Phrygian, pidgin, smidgen, wigeon

²pigeon

noun

Definition of PIGEON

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

Origin of PIGEON

alteration of pidgin

First Known Use: 1826

pigeon

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Plump, small-billed, monogamous birds of the family Columbidae, found almost worldwide and recognizable by their head-bobbing strut. Unlike other birds, pigeons suck liquids and provide the young with regurgitated “pigeon's milk.” The 175 species of true pigeons include the Old and New World Columba species and the Old World Streptopelia species; all eat seeds and fruit. Common street pigeons, or rock doves, are descendants of the Eurasian rock dove (Columba livia). From antiquity pigeons were trained to carry messages over long distances. About 115 species of fruit pigeons occur in Africa, southern Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. The three species of crowned pigeons (genus Goura), of New Guinea, are nearly the size of a turkey. See also dove; mourning dove; passenger pigeon; turtledove.