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 of pigeon

Noun (1)

• sucker
• victim
• gull
• patsy

Examples of pigeon in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a confidence man in search of another pigeon

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As Bertha whips up breakfast for their boarders, the couple peers out of the window, watching Bynum Walker (a fantastic Ruben Santiago-Hudson) dance with the pigeons and riffle through Seth’s vegetable garden. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026

Months earlier, fanciers shipped their best young prospects to the race loft so the pigeons could learn to recognize it as their home. —Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

Though there are whimsical themes aplenty among the new furniture, decor, and tabletop pieces—pigeons, houses, and apples to reflect Chamberlain’s eclectic tastes—there’s one fixation in particular that formed the inspiration for several items: buttons. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 2026

But if the lack of oxygen didn’t kill the giant bugs, we’re still faced with an outstanding question: What’s stopping our present bugs from evolving to the size of a pigeon? —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for pigeon

• irreligion
• religion

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