owl

owl · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A nocturnal bird of prey with large eyes, a hooked beak, and typically a loud hooting call.

  2. 2.

    A person who is habitually active or wakeful at night.

Forms

plural: owls

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    night owl — a person who prefers to be active at night
  • •
    wise as an owl — appearing or being very wise
  • •
    owl-eyed — having large, round eyes; staring

Related words

See also: bird, eagle, hawk, nocturnal
Synonyms: bird_of_prey

Etymology

From Old English ūle, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch uil and German Eule, probably imitative of the bird's cry.