barn owl

noun

: a widely distributed owl (Tyto alba) that has plumage mottled buff brown and gray above and chiefly white below, frequents barns and other buildings, and preys especially on rodents

Examples of barn owl 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 group is still working out how to best target barn owl recovery, given that barn owls don’t limit their territory according to state borders. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 17 Dec. 2025 The study authors believe a family of barn owls once lived in the cave and coughed up the bones of their prey, which eventually fossilized. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 Carpenter failed to capture a barn owl, but nailed a raccoon fighting. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2025 With more night games at Memorial Stadium, Bond worries about the impact of the lighting and noise on barn owls and other wildlife in the area. Austin Meek, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for barn owl

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barn owl was in 1674

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Cite this Entry

“Barn owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barn%20owl. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

barn owl

noun
: a widely distributed owl with brown, gray, and white feathers that is found near barns and other buildings and preys especially on rodents

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