owl

noun

ˈau̇(-ə)l 

: any of an order (Strigiformes) of chiefly nocturnal birds of prey with a large head and eyes, short hooked bill, strong talons, and soft fluffy often brown-mottled plumage

Examples of owl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fact check: No, bird flu infection not 'made up' for patient in Mexico Other species infected include owls, storks, condors, penguins, seals, foxes, cats and dolphins, the U.N. reported. —Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

That meant a lot of chilly evenings stomping about in woods and fields that normally should have had plenty of deer, elk, raccoons, rabbits, owls, coyotes, and heaven knows what else running about. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2025

This Duo fan hopes for a similar comeback for the green owl. —April Rubin, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025

The green owl who was the logo of language-learning app Duolingo is no longer. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English owle, from Old English ūle; akin to Old High German uwila owl

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing owl

• barn owl
• barred owl
• burrowing owl
• elf owl
• great horned owl
• horned owl
• night owl
• northern spotted owl
• owl monkey
• saw-whet owl
• screech owl
• short-eared owl
• snowy owl
• spotted owl

Rhymes for owl

• foul
• foule
• fowl
• growl
• howl
• jowl
• prowl
• scowl
• afoul
• wildfowl
• waterfowl

Kids Definition

owl

noun

ˈau̇(ə)l 

: any of an order of birds of prey that are active mainly at night and that have a broad head, very large eyes, and a powerful hooked beak and claws