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

To say nothing of the years of sketches and jokes about rats, pigeons, and lanternflies. —David Lachapelle, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2024

Each of those was amazing in its own right, but the Clos Sainte Hune 1967, served alongside pigeon topped with foie gras and truffles, was the shining star of the flight and the night. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2024

Lauper sings in vivid detail of their friendship, from the youthful innocence of watching Sally’s pigeons fly to discovering boys. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 15 Nov. 2024

Physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explain why soap bubbles, cold pigeons, planets and the Sun are all round. —Discover Magazine, 15 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