owl

[ oul ]

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.

adjective

1. operating late at night or all night:

   an owl train.

owl

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈowl-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• owllike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of owl¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of owl¹

Old English ūle; related to Dutch uil, Old High German ūwila, Old Norse ugla

Idioms and Phrases

see night owl .

Example Sentences

They also collected X-ray videos from an iguana and an alligator and examined the shapes of leg bones in other birds, including a penguin, an ostrich, an owl, and a crane.

From Science Daily

The geologically unique area is a spiritual center for the Pit River and Modoc tribes and serves as habitat for protected species, including the bald eagle and northern spotted owl.

From Los Angeles Times

The new album’s title may hint at sunshine and waking hours, but make no mistake, Yoakam is a night owl, a man for whom work begins around dusk and often stretches into dawn.

From Los Angeles Times

The witness reported the shooting to the police and helped them to locate the body of the owl.

From BBC

Across the street from his property is open space, where he says he regularly sees owls and kangaroo rats among the grasses and native plants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• burglar
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• robber
• sniper
• swindler