great horned owl

noun

1. a large, brown-speckled owl, Bubo virginianus, common in the Western Hemisphere, having prominent ear tufts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of great horned owl¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

He said he thinks the other two were likely eaten by a great horned owl or other predator.

From Washington Post

A little screech owl tuned up in the distance, a barn owl replied, and a great horned owl drowned both their voices.

From Project Gutenberg

It is then the great horned owl of the swamp courts his mate, the big hawks pair, and even the crows begin to take notice.

From Project Gutenberg

A tame great horned owl and a little screech owl were shut up in a hay loft together.

From Project Gutenberg

Again a great horned owl at a twist of Jack's head as he dreamed, swooped silently and struck, thinking it a hare.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably that great horned owl had been hooting for some time, but we had been too busy to notice.

From Project Gutenberg