: 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
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Visitors view other butterflies behind an owl butterfly, foreground. Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 Are there owls or hawks in the area that would be tempted by a small dog? Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026 This might include colorful flags or posts with faux owls or larger birds of prey, which hunt smaller birds. Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 13 Mar. 2026 If a dead tree won't endanger your house or other property, don't cut it down and owls and other wildlife may move in. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for owl

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of owl was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/owl. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

owl

noun
: 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

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