passenger pigeon

noun

: an extinct but formerly abundant North American migratory pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)

Illustration of passenger pigeon

Illustration of passenger pigeon

Examples of passenger pigeon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some, like the passenger pigeon, were extinct. — Tom Langen, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025 Thousands of passenger pigeons were shot in the countryside and taken to urban markets by the wagonload. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 In 1914 Martha, the world’s last passenger pigeon, died in Cincinnati. — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025 But the passenger pigeon’s fate occupies a special place on the shelf of historical horrors. — Dan Flores, Time, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for passenger pigeon

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passenger pigeon was in 1772

Rhymes for passenger pigeon

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Browse Nearby Words

passenger mileage
passenger pigeon
passenger princess
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Cite this Entry

“Passenger pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passenger%20pigeon. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

passenger pigeon

noun
: an extinct but formerly very common North American pigeon that migrated long distances

More from Merriam-Webster on passenger pigeon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about passenger pigeon

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