carrier pigeon

noun

: a pigeon used to carry messages

especially : homing pigeon

: any of a breed of large long-bodied show pigeons

Examples of carrier pigeon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Syrian smugglers now use a variety of cunning techniques to move their drugs to Jordan, including drones and carrier pigeons, which have been taught to fly with tiny bags of contraband affixed to their legs. —

Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 Two other sections regarding the legal protection of carrier pigeons and arrests on the Fourth of July have been updated. —

Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024 Postal consumers shouldn’t have to mull over carrier pigeons to get their letters and cards delivered. —

David Williams, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2024 Craig Thompson, a two-decade veteran of the Arrowhead School Board, tried everything short of a carrier pigeon to get ahold of WisRed, an organization that arose four years ago in Waukesha County to wield enormous sway in the outcomes of local elections. —

Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for carrier pigeon

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of carrier pigeon was in 1644

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Carrier pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carrier%20pigeon. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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