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

In New York City, rodenticides were blamed for the 2024 death of Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Domino’s jumping into a viral KitKat moment, Duolingo turning its unhinged owl mascot into a strategic brand voice, and Netflix extending its Tudum companion site into real-world fan experiences all point to how modern marketing rewards brands that move quickly without losing their identity. — Slma Shelbayah, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

The young owls may start leaving the barn as early as July. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

An orphaned owl at a rescue center in New York has adopted the role of a foster parent, nursing two orphaned baby owlets and giving them parental love. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 19 June 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