owl

/aul/

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Word: Owl

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition: An owl is a type of bird that is active at night (nocturnal) and is known for its large head, big eyes that face forward, and a strong beak and claws. Owls are birds of prey, meaning they hunt other animals for food.

Usage Instructions: You can use "owl" to talk about this specific kind of bird. When mentioning owls, you might describe their characteristics, behaviors, or the sounds they make.

Example Sentence: "I heard an owl hooting outside my window last night."

Advanced Usage:

• Scientific Classification: Owls belong to the order Strigiformes. They can be found in many habitats around the world.
• Cultural Significance: In many cultures, owls are seen as symbols of wisdom or knowledge. For example, the owl is often associated with the goddess Athena in Greek mythology.

Word Variants:

• Owlish (adjective): This describes someone who resembles an owl in some way, often implying wisdom or a serious demeanor.
  • Example: "He gave me an owlish look when I asked him a silly question."

Different Meanings:

• Owl (slang): Sometimes, "owl" can refer to someone who stays up late or is very active at night, similar to how owls are nocturnal.
  • Example: "She’s such an owl; she loves to work on her projects at night."

Synonyms:

• There are not many direct synonyms for "owl," but you could refer to smaller types of owls with names like “barn owl” or “screech owl.”

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Wise as an owl": This idiom means someone is very wise or knowledgeable.

  • Example: "My grandmother is wise as an owl; she always knows what to say."

• There are no common phrasal verbs that include "owl," as it is a specific noun.

Summary:

An "owl" is a distinctive bird known for its nocturnal habits and unique features. You can use the term in various contexts, such as discussing nature, culture, or even describing someone's behavior.

Academic

Noun

1. nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

Synonyms

• bird of Minerva
• bird of night
• hooter