stool pigeon
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A decoy used in a crooked gambling game.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
An informer to the authorities, especially one who gives up criminal associates.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “stool pigeon” mean?
A decoy used in a crooked gambling game.
Is “stool pigeon” formal or informal?
stool pigeon is generally slang.