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.
The passenger pigeon played a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds and maintain the balance of forested environments across the continent. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 The nonprofit is working on reviving populations of the black-footed ferret and passenger pigeon, among other animals. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 The living room is furnished with moss-green velvet curtains and a painting of passenger pigeons that the artist Walton Ford made for Ms. Hoover. Maggie Lange, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 When massive flocks of passenger pigeons arrived, communities gathered to hunt the birds, which were once an integral part of the American diet. Jared Del Rosso, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2024 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

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Cite this Entry

“Passenger pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passenger%20pigeon. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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

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