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

Interactive experiences include a fairy garden meet-and-greet, a mermaid encounter, a dragon encounter and a live owl photo op. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

From black cats and candy corn to ghosts and owls, the festive bistro items make classic Halloween motifs feel elegant and sophisticated. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

With a title translating as The Fables Newspaper, the show took place in a forest filled with anthropomorphic animals where the main character, an owl named Meneer de Uil read headlines from a daily paper. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Jahnke’s work features four panels depicting realistic images of local wildlife, including geese, raccoons, a fox and an owl. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 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
• flammulated 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