Definition of owl
: 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
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Origin and Etymology of owl
Middle English owle, from Old English ūle; akin to Old High German uwila owl
First Known Use: before 12th century
OWL Defined for English Language Learners
owl
playDefinition of owl for English Language Learners
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: a bird that usually hunts at night and that has a large head and eyes, a powerful hooked beak, and strong claws
OWL Defined for Kids
owl
playDefinition of owl for Students
: a large bird with big head and eyes, hooked bill, and strong claws that is active at night and feeds on small animals
owlish
adjectiveLearn More about owl
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See words that rhyme with owl Spanish Central: Translation of owl Nglish: Translation of owl for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of owl for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about owl
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