carrier pigeon

noun

1
: a pigeon used to carry messages
especially : homing pigeon
2
: any of a breed of large long-bodied show pigeons

Examples of carrier 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.
And behind Vision’s back, Ultron ominously releases a carrier pigeon, sending a message to a mystery recipient. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 From ‘carrier pigeons’ to sophisticated weapons The first uses of drones for criminal purposes in Latin America were recorded in prisons, mainly in Brazil. — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 Two new mobile apps allow users to send messages at the same rate as carrier pigeons, used throughout history to convey messages across long distances. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Pigeons follows a carrier pigeon who loses his job the day a telephone is installed in his owner’s home. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for carrier pigeon

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carrier pigeon was in 1644

Rhymes for carrier pigeon

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Browse Nearby Words

carrier bag
carrier pigeon
carrier shell
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carrier pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carrier%20pigeon. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on carrier pigeon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carrier pigeon

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