Synonyms of pigeonnext
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
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Noun
The infection, known as psittacosis, or parrot fever, can spread from many different birds, however, including poultry and pigeons. — Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026 But — and this is a pigeon-sized but — the new camera on both the Nook and the Home is a bit of a downgrade compared to the Birdbuddy Pro ($339, but often on sale for less). — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 In Registan Square on Monday, Rubio’s Uzbek hosts released hundreds of pigeons into the sky and filled the vast space with local pop music. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026 The songs come with music videos directed by Young Replicant, which together form a short film about pigeon fanciers. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pigeon

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigeon. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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

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