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: 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
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
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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
Dictionary Entries Near owl
Cite this Entry
“Owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/owl. Accessed 28 Nov. 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
Nglish: Translation of owl for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of owl for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about owl
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