elf owl

noun

: a very small insectivorous owl (Micrathene whitneyi) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that roosts and nests in the cavities of trees and saguaro cacti

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of elf owl was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Elf owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elf%20owl. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

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Kids Definition

elf owl

noun

: a very small insect-eating owl that rests, sleeps, and nests in the holes of trees and saguaro cacti of desert areas of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico