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

These animals included badgers, bats, crows, foxes, hedgehogs, otters and owls, among many others. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

David Johnson, who has died at 69, was a leading owl scientist and conservationist. — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 18 July 2026

Participants can dissect an owl/hawk pellet to discover what raptors eat. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

These dense plantings provide protection from predators like hawks, owls, and cats, while also insulating nests from cold temperatures and creating sheltered runways where rodents can move unseen. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

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