PIGEON Meaning and
Definition
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Pigeon, noun
1. A medium-sized, stout-bodied bird belonging to the family Columbidae, characterized by a small head, short neck, plump body, and strong, compact wings. Pigeons are commonly found in both urban and rural areas worldwide, and are known for their adaptability and ability to live in diverse environments.
2. A common reference to the species Columba livia, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon. This species is widely distributed and can be found in cities, parks, cliffs, and agricultural areas. The rock pigeon typically has a grayish body, iridescent neck feathers, a distinct white rump, and two black bars on each wing.
3. A colloquial term used to describe someone who is easily fooled or gullible, often suggesting a lack of intelligence or naivety. This usage stems from the historical practice of using homing pigeons to transport messages, which necessitated the birds being easily trained and somewhat reliant on human guidance.
4. An organized and tightly-knit group or network of individuals involved in illegal activities, typically used in the context of criminal organizations such as drug or human trafficking networks. This slang term borrows from the idea of pigeons flying in flocks, emphasizing the close association and cooperation among members of illicit networks.
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A well-known bird of many varieties; the dove; a simpleton; a person taken in by gamblers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PIGEON *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PIGEON
Etymology of PIGEON
The word "pigeon" has its origins in the Old French word "pijoun" or "pigeon", which can be traced back to the Latin word "pipio" meaning "chirping of a young bird" or "chick". This Latin term is a derivative of the verb "pipire", which imitates the sound of a chirping or tweeting bird. Over time, the word "pigeon" came to refer specifically to the domesticated bird species known for their cooing sounds and gentle temperament.
Idioms with the word PIGEON
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a stool pigeon
The idiom "a stool pigeon" refers to someone who acts as an informer or a spy, usually providing information to authorities or law enforcement about the activities or plans of others, often in order to gain some advantage or avoid punishment themselves.
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stool (pigeon)
The idiom "stool pigeon" refers to a person who acts as an informant or betrayer, usually providing information to the authorities or enemies. It typically implies someone who is untrustworthy or treacherous, using their knowledge to manipulate or harm others.
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be sb's pigeon
The idiom "be someone's pigeon" refers to being a person who is responsible for or compelled to resolve a specific task or problem. It implies being assigned or designated as the primary person to handle a particular matter.
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be (one's) pigeon
The idiom "be one's pigeon" means to be someone's responsibility, duty, or assignment. It is often used to imply that a particular task or situation falls under someone's particular area of expertise or is their problem to solve.
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clay pigeon
The idiom "clay pigeon" refers to someone or something that is easy to target or attack, often used in the context of being easily exploited or taken advantage of. It originates from the sport of clay pigeon shooting, where clay discs are launched into the air as targets for participants to shoot at.
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one's pigeon
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pigeon-eyed
The idiom "pigeon-eyed" is used to describe someone who has a sharp or keen sense of observation and perception, similar to the way a pigeon can quickly spot food from a distance. It implies that the person is observant and quick to notice details.
Similar spelling words for PIGEON
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