Pigeonhole ( noun , verb )

(As a noun)

Pigeonhole ( noun )

1. A small compartment or recessed space for storage or display.
2. A category or label that something is put into, often too simplistic or limiting.
3. To assign someone or something to a specific category or classification.

Origin:

From pigeon + hole, meaning a small compartment for pigeons to nest or for messages to be placed.

Examples:

1. The mailbox had individual pigeonholes for each apartment resident.
2. Politicians are often put into pigeonholes based on their party affiliation.
3. Don't pigeonhole him as just a businessman, he has many other interests too.

(As a verb)

Pigeonhole ( verb )

1. A small compartment or recessed space for storage or display.
2. A category or label that something is put into, often too simplistic or limiting.
3. To assign someone or something to a specific category or classification.

Origin:

From pigeon + hole, meaning a small compartment for pigeons to nest or for messages to be placed.

Examples:

1. The mailbox had individual pigeonholes for each apartment resident.
2. Politicians are often put into pigeonholes based on their party affiliation.
3. Don't pigeonhole him as just a businessman, he has many other interests too.