How to pronounce pigeonhole
Say it like PIJ-un-hohl. Pigeonhole has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pigeonhole. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIJ
- un
- hohl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pigeonhole pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PIJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- hohlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of pigeonhole
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: PIJ-in-hohl.
What does pigeonhole mean?
- One of an array of open compartments for housing pigeons in a dovecote or pigeon loft.
- One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.
- One of an array of open compartments for receiving mail and other messages at a college, office, etc.“Fred was disappointed to find his pigeonhole empty except for bills and a flyer offering 20% off on manicures.”
- To construct pigeonholes (noun sense 1 or 3.1) in (a place); also, to subdivide (a place) into pigeonholes.
- To put (letters, papers, or other items) into pigeonholes or small compartments; also, to arrange or sort (items) by putting into pigeonholes.
- To arrange (items) for future reference or use.
Where does pigeonhole come from?
The noun is derived from pigeon + hole.
Questions about saying pigeonhole
How do you pronounce pigeonhole?
Say PIJ-un-hohl. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪdʒənˌhoʊl/. In British English it is /ˈpɪdʒɪnhəʊl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pigeonhole?
Pigeonhole has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIJ). Broken into parts: PIJ · un · hohl.
Is pigeonhole pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈpɪdʒɪnhəʊl/ (PIJ-in-hohl).