laughing owl

noun

: a reddish-brown owl (Sceloglaux albifacies) of New Zealand that is almost extinct

Word History

Etymology

laughing from present participle of laugh entry 1

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laughing owl was in 1871

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near laughing owl

Cite this Entry

“Laughing owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laughing%20owl. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!