1. a small compartment or cubbyhole, especially one of a series used for filing or sorting papers
2. a category or classification, especially one that is overly restrictive or limiting
Usage: often used negatively

1. to assign to a particular category or classification, often in a restrictive way
2. to put aside or defer indefinitely

Examples

• She filed the documents in the appropriate pigeonhole.
• The old desk had dozens of small pigeonholes for organizing mail.
• Don’t pigeonhole me as just a math teacher—I have many interests.
• The committee decided to pigeonhole the controversial proposal.
• He refused to be put in any pigeonhole and pursued multiple careers.
• The principal pigeonholed the budget request until next year.
• Each student’s work was sorted into a different pigeonhole.
• Critics often pigeonhole artists based on their early work.