owl

noun

ˈau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce owl (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The young owls may start leaving the barn as early as July. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 This time of year, visitors flock to the Raptor Center to learn about falcons, hawks, owls and eagles. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 11 June 2026 An orphaned owl at a rescue center in New York has adopted the role of a foster parent, nursing two orphaned baby owlets and giving them parental love. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 19 June 2026 Specialty suppliers carry balloons with huge, owl-like eyes and bright colors that rotate in the breeze, giving the impression of immediate danger. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for owl

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of owl was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing owl

Rhymes for owl

See All Rhymes for owl

Browse Nearby Words

owk
owl
owl's clover
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Cite this Entry

“Owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/owl. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

owl

noun
ˈau̇(ə)l How to pronounce owl (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on owl

Nglish: Translation of owl for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about owl

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