pigeonhole

noun

1. 1.

   One of an array of open compartments for housing pigeons in a dovecote or pigeon loft.

2. 2.

   by extension

   One of an array of open compartments in a desk, set of shelves, etc., used for sorting or storing letters, papers, or other items.

3. 3.

   by extension

   One of an array of open compartments for receiving mail and other messages at a college, office, etc.

4. 4.

   by extension

   A compartment or cubicle in a room or other place, especially one which is (excessively) small.

5. 5.

   by extension

   A small opening for looking or passing things through.

6. 6.

   A specific (often simplistic) category

verb

1. 1.

   To construct pigeonholes (noun noun, sense 1 or noun, sense 3.1) in (a place); also, to subdivide (a place) into pigeonholes.

2. 2.

   To put (letters, papers, or other items) into pigeonholes or small compartments; also, to arrange or sort (items) by putting into pigeonholes.

3. 3.

   Place into a small compartment

4. 4.

   figurative

   To arrange (items) for future reference or use.

5. 5.

   figurative

   To put aside (advice, a proposal, or other matter) for future consideration instead of acting on it immediately; to shelve.

6. 6.

   figurative

   To place (someone or something) into a notional category or class, especially in a way which makes unjustified assumptions or which is restrictive; to categorize, to classify, to label.