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

Noun (1) a confidence man in search of another pigeon
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The teacher led us through downward dogs and pigeon poses before giant statues of rearing horses and hunters — a homage to the king’s favorite pastimes. Catherine Porter Dmitry Kostyukov, New York Times, 16 May 2024 Naturalists have long known that some birds—such as pigeons, penguins and flamingos—produce their own form of milk for their offspring. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for pigeon 

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 1 Jun. 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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