owl
UK: aʊl | US: aʊl
n. a nocturnal bird of prey with large forward-facing eyes, a hooked beak, and typically a loud hooting call
n. (figurative) a person who is active or perceptive at night
The word "owl" traces back to Old English ūle, derived from Proto-Germanic uwwalǭ, likely imitative of the bird's call. Its roots are ancient, shared across Germanic languages (e.g., Dutch uil, German Eule), and possibly linked to Proto-Indo-European echoic words for bird sounds. The word's simplicity reflects its status as a core, unanalyzable noun in English.
An owl hooted softly in the dark forest.
She studied late into the night, earning the nickname "the owl of the library."
The barn owl’s silent flight helps it hunt mice undetected.
In folklore, owls are often symbols of wisdom.
We spotted a snowy owl perched on the fence at dawn.