carrier pigeon
Americannoun
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one of a breed of domestic pigeons having a large wattle around the base of the beak.
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a homing pigeon trained to carry messages.
noun
Etymology
Origin of carrier pigeon
First recorded in 1640–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The IRS does not care much whether you send the money to your son via Zelle, Venmo, wire transfer between your banks or carrier pigeon, as long as you account for it accurately and honestly.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
Also good luck finding a reliable carrier pigeon named Harry.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
A sort of industrial carrier pigeon, popular long before email and Amazon, pneumatic tubes used to be common in office buildings, hospitals, department stores and such.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2022
If he continues to bat like this, he is well within his rights to deliver his pre-match message via carrier pigeon.
From BBC • Aug. 7, 2021
“You do have a phone, right? Your parents aren’t forcing you to communicate via carrier pigeon, are they? Because that might be why no one’s calling you.”
From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
