- 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.
- one of a breed of domestic pigeons having an owllike appearance.
- night owl.
- a person of owllike solemnity or appearance.
- operating late at night or all night: an owl train.
- any nocturnal bird of prey of the order Strigiformes, having large front-facing eyes, a small hooked bill, soft feathers, and a short neck
- any of various breeds of owl-like fancy domestic pigeon (esp the African owl, Chinese owl, and English owl)
- a person who looks or behaves like an owl, esp in having a solemn manner
