First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
owl
noun \ˈau̇(-ə)l\
: a bird that usually hunts at night and that has a large head and eyes, a powerful hooked beak, and strong claws
Full Definition of OWL
: 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
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Origin of OWL
Middle English owle, from Old English ūle; akin to Old High German uwila owl
OWL Defined for Kids
owl
noun \ˈau̇l\
Definition of OWL for Kids
: a large bird with big head and eyes, hooked bill, and strong claws that is active at night and feeds on small animals
— owl·ish adjective
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