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

They are said to possess the power to transform into wolves, coyotes or even owls, using their abilities to harm others or cause mischief. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025

The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation’s annual celebration of local birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons, Guests can meet ambassador birds up close and learn about their unique behaviors. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025

Oh, and the owl mascot's name is Hootie. —Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

Botswana’s fertile Okavango Delta is one of the last remaining high-biodiversity ecosystems in the world, home to cheetahs, African wild dogs, baobab trees, crocodiles, termites and owls that catch fish. —Jessica Beaudette, The Conversation, 11 Oct. 2025

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