pigeon-hole

Universal Words noun, verb noun one of a set of small boxes that are fixed on a wall and open at the front, used for putting letters, messages, etc. in; one of a similar set of boxes that are part of a desk, used for keeping papers, documents, etc. in: If you can't come, leave a note in my pigeon-hole. verb 1 [VN] ~ sb (as sth) to decide that sb belongs to a particular group or type without thinking deeply enough about it and considering what other qualities they might have SYNCATEGORIZE, LABEL: He has been pigeon-holed as a youth writer. 2 [VN] to decide to deal with sth later or to forget it: Plans to build a new school have been pigeon-holed.