pigeon
4 synonyms for pigeon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A plump grey bird common in cities, known for its cooing call.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pigeon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
feed the pigeons
an easy pigeon
clay pigeon
Etymology
From Old French pyjon, ultimately from a Latin word meaning "chirping bird" — it gradually replaced the older native English word "dove" in most everyday uses.
Full origin of pigeon →Frequently asked questions
What does “pigeon” mean?
The word “pigeon” means a plump grey bird common in cities, known for its cooing call. In plain terms, the common city bird, or (informally) someone easily tricked.
How do you pronounce “pigeon”?
“Pigeon” is pronounced PIH-jihn (/ˈpɪ.dʒɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pigeon” in a sentence?
Here is “pigeon” used in a sentence: “Pigeons gathered in the square to peck at breadcrumbs.”
What part of speech is “pigeon”?
“Pigeon” is a noun.
Where does the word “pigeon” come from?
The word “pigeon” comes from Latin. From Old French pyjon, ultimately from a Latin word meaning "chirping bird" — it gradually replaced the older native English word "dove" in most everyday uses.
Is “pigeon” a common word?
“Pigeon” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “pigeon” have?
“Pigeon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plump grey bird common in cities, known for its cooing call.
What is the difference between a "pigeon" and a "dove"?
Pigeons and doves belong to the same bird family, but "pigeon" is typically used for the larger, plump grey birds common in cities, while "dove" is usually reserved for smaller or white varieties often associated with peace. The distinction is more about common usage than strict biological classification.
Why is someone called a "pigeon" in the context of scams?
Calling someone a "pigeon" in a scam means they are easily deceived or targeted as a victim, likening them to a bird that can be lured in and caught. The term is informal slang rather than a literal reference to the bird.
Is "pigeon" used only to describe the bird?
No, "pigeon" can also describe a person who is easily fooled or taken advantage of, especially in a con or scam, in addition to its literal meaning as a common city bird. Context makes clear which sense is intended.
