owl

noun

1. any of numerous, chiefly nocturnal birds of prey, of the order Strigiformes, having a broad head with large, forward-directed eyes that are usually surrounded by disks of modified feathers: many populations are diminishing owing to loss of habitat.
2. one of a breed of domestic pigeons having an owllike appearance.
3. night owl.
4. a person of owllike solemnity or appearance.

adjective

5. operating late at night or all night: an owl train.

noun

1. any nocturnal bird of prey of the order Strigiformes, having large front-facing eyes, a small hooked bill, soft feathers, and a short neck
2. any of various breeds of owl-like fancy domestic pigeon (esp the African owl, Chinese owl, and English owl)
3. a person who looks or behaves like an owl, esp in having a solemn manner

n.Old English ule “owl,” from Proto-Germanic *uwwalon- (cf. Middle Dutch, Dutch uil, Old High German uwila, German Eule, Old Norse ugla), a diminutive of PIE root *u(wa)l-, which is imitative of a wail or an owl’s hoot (cf. Latin ulula “owl;” cf. also ululation). The bird was employed proverbially and figuratively in reference to nocturnal habits, ugliness, and appearance of gravity and wisdom (often ironic). see night owl.