pigeon

1 of 2

noun (1)

pi·​geon ˈpi-jən 

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

pigeon

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an object of special concern : accepted business or interest

tennis was not his pigeon

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• chump
• dupe
• gull
• mug [chiefly British]
• patsy
• pushover
• sap
• soft touch
• sucker
• tool

Examples of pigeon in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a confidence man in search of another pigeon

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

State of play: This year's schedule includes concerts, a wine showcase, mariachi competition, pigeon show and celebrity goat milking. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025

The garden has a canopy of live oaks, Simpson’s stopper, black ironwoods, pigeon plums, a Talipot palm, and more. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025

Hoppin John, an Anglicized pronunciation of the French translation for black-eyed peas (pois pigeon), are said to represent monetary coins. —Nyya Toussaint / Made By History, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024

In additional images, another falcon is found in the crook of its owner’s arm, who holds a pigeon in the other hand, ready to be released into the air as the falcon’s prey. —M. Z. Adnan, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing pigeon

• carrier pigeon
• clay pigeon
• homing pigeon
• passenger pigeon
• pigeon breast
• pigeon hawk
• pigeon-livered
• pigeon pea
• pigeon-toed
• rock pigeon
• stool pigeon
• wood pigeon

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