owl

American  

[oul] / aʊl /

noun

1. any of numerous, chiefly nocturnal birds of prey, of the order Strigiformes, having a broad head with large, forward-directed eyes that are usually surrounded by disks of modified feathers: many populations are diminishing owing to loss of habitat.

2. one of a breed of domestic pigeons having an owllike appearance.

3. night owl.

4. a person of owllike solemnity or appearance.

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adjective

1. operating late at night or all night.

   an owl train.

owl British  

/ aʊl /

noun

1. any nocturnal bird of prey of the order Strigiformes, having large front-facing eyes, a small hooked bill, soft feathers, and a short neck

2. any of various breeds of owl-like fancy domestic pigeon (esp the African owl, Chinese owl, and English owl )

3. a person who looks or behaves like an owl, esp in having a solemn manner

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owl Idioms  

1. see night owl.

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Other Word Forms

• owl-like adjective
• owllike adjective

Etymology

Origin of owl

before 900; Middle English oule, Old English ūle; cognate with Low German ūle, Dutch uil; akin to German Eule, Old Norse ugla

Explanation

While most birds are known for their tweeting, owls are known for their hooting. If you hear a "hoot" in the woods, look for an owl (But bring your flashlight; owls are nocturnal.). Owls share some similarities with hawks — both birds are predators, with very strong beaks and claws meant for grabbing mice, insects, rabbits, and even fish. One notable difference is that an owl has eyes on the front of its face, while most hawks have eyes on the sides of their heads. To compensate, owls can turn their heads as much as 270 degrees, to see what's behind them. Owl comes from an imitative root — a word that sounds like an owl's hoot.

Example Sentences

In the case of the northern spotted owl, exemptions were initially granted for timber sales in Oregon but later withdrawn due to legal challenges and procedural violations.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

A giant barn owl, a type of rodent called a hutia, and a burrowing bee entered a cave.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Wear described the latter, also purple, as looking like a “short owl with little eyes looking at you and a little beak.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

One owl was found napping – in an antiques store.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

C.C. was an owl who preferred sensible answers, and Duane’s answer was not nearly close enough to meeting her standard.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

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