: 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.
This cute book rack ($50) comes in a choice of owl, lion, or dinosaur designs. Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The book’s illustrator and experienced sculptor, Michel Becker, is still alive and oversaw the creation of the owl statue while also financing it. Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 The interdisciplinary artist has eyes similar to an owl’s, black, wide, and sparkling with clarity. Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 The short is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near owl

Cite this Entry

“Owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/owl. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

owl

noun
: 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

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