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

Five months and several consultations later, the rings were ready: a wide silver band with a filigree owl motif and a yellow sapphire for Ms. Pejovic; a plainer band of silver inlaid with a filigree blackbird for her future husband. —Sandra Jordan, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

The mother owl has since returned to the nest and is caring for her young. —Jack Perry, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025

In areas where firearms are not allowed, barrel owls may be captured and euthanized. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025

Dua Lipa, the pop star also known as Dula Peep (thanks to Wendy Williams), has piped up with a message of mourning after popular language company Duolingo murdered its adorable owl mascot, Duo, and subsequently asked its users to respect the singer's privacy in the aftermath. —EW.com, 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