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

Representatives from the Eleanor Alexander Wildlife Center down the road would show up at town events with adorable animal ambassadors like cartoony Eastern Screech owls that had rock-star head fluff and big, dewy eyes. —Alexandra Sanidad, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Placing and Positioning the Feeder When considering a good spot to hang a feeder, look for areas that predators, such as owls, can’t reach. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026

Sound deterrents are most effective when used in combination with visual deterrents such as plastic owl decoys or reflective items such as tape, old CDs, or streamers. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026

The owl has been with me for 26 years. —Dania Maxwell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 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