Pigeon is the correct spelling of the bird, with a G and no D. Pidgeon is a common misspelling and is not a standard dictionary word. Do not confuse either one with pidgin, a real word for a simplified mixed language.
Pigeon vs Pidgeon Quiz: Test Yourself
Pigeon vs Pidgeon Flip Cards
The pigeon vs pidgeon mix-up happens because the extra D slips in when we say the word: the “j” sound feels like it needs a “dge,” as in badge or judge. Add in the similar-sounding word pidgin, and the confusion grows. Here is the correct spelling, why pidgeon is wrong, and how to keep all three words straight.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigeon | A plump bird, often seen in cities; also used in idioms | Noun | A pigeon walked across the square. |
| Pidgeon | A misspelling of pigeon (it can appear as a surname, but it is not the bird’s name) | Not a standard word | Incorrect: The pidgeon flew away. |
| Pidgin | A simplified language formed when groups with no shared language need to communicate | Noun | Traders developed a pidgin to do business. |
What is the difference between pigeon vs pidgeon?
Pigeon is the correct spelling and pidgeon is the incorrect one. If you mean the bird, always write pigeon: a G, then eon, with no D.
What does pigeon mean?
A pigeon is a stout bird with a small head and a cooing call, common in towns and cities. The word also appears in several everyday expressions, such as pigeonhole (a small compartment, or to put someone in a category), stool pigeon (an informer), and clay pigeon (a disc used as a shooting target).
Is pidgeon a real word?
No, pidgeon is not a standard dictionary word; it is a misspelling of pigeon. It can turn up as a family name, but that is the only place it is correct. Spell-checkers usually flag it, so a red underline is a quick cue to fix it.
What is pidgin, and how is it different from pigeon?
Pidgin is a simplified language that develops when speakers of different languages need to communicate, often for trade. It is spelled P-I-D-G-I-N and pronounced like “PID-jin,” and it has nothing to do with the bird. The same spelling is also used for a well-known open-source chat program, so capitalized Pidgin in a tech article may refer to that software.
Why do people spell pigeon as pidgeon?
Most people add the D because English often spells the “j” sound as dge, as in edge, bridge and badge. Pigeon breaks that pattern and uses a plain G. The word also sounds close to pidgin, which does contain a D.
How can you remember which one to use?
Tie each spelling to one idea. The tricks below give you three quick ones to use while you write.
Common mistakes with pigeon vs pidgeon
- A pidgeon landed on my balcony. → A pigeon landed on my balcony.
- The park was full of pidgeons. → The park was full of pigeons.
- She felt pidgeonholed by her title. → She felt pigeonholed by her title.
- They fed the pigeons and spoke a local pigeon. → They fed the pigeons and spoke a local pidgin.
- He took up clay pidgeon shooting. → He took up clay pigeon shooting.
Memory tricks
- Pigeon has no D: picture a bird with a G in its middle, like pi-G-eon.
- Pigeon vs pidgin: pidgin has the D and the I, and it is the language. Pigeon has the G and the bird.
- Delete the D: if you wrote pidgeon, remove the D and you get pigeon. The bird never needs it.
FAQ
Is it pigeon or pidgeon?
The correct spelling is pigeon. Pidgeon is a misspelling.
What is the plural of pigeon?
The plural of pigeon is pigeons.
What is the difference between pigeon and pidgin?
A pigeon is a bird. A pidgin is a simplified language that develops between groups with no shared language.
Is pidgeon ever correct?
Pidgeon is not a standard word. It may appear as a family name, but it is not the correct spelling for the bird.
Is it pigeonhole or pidgeonhole?
The correct spelling is pigeonhole, with a G, matching the spelling of pigeon.
Conclusion
The pigeon vs pidgeon question has a simple answer: pigeon is the bird, pidgin is the language, and pidgeon is a misspelling. Share this with someone who mixes these up, and bookmark it for your next proofread.