owl
/aul/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A nocturnal bird of prey characterized by a hawk-like beak and talons, a large head, and forward-facing eyes. Owls are known for their silent flight and exceptional hearing and vision in low light.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- We heard an owl hooting in the woods at night.
- The barn owl is a common species found on many continents.
- In many cultures, the owl is a symbol of wisdom.
Advanced Usage
- "as wise as an owl": Used to describe someone who is very wise or appears to be very knowledgeable.
- The old librarian was as wise as an owl.
- "night owl": (Idiom) A person who habitually stays up late or is active at night.
- I'm a night owl, so I do my best work after midnight.
Variants and Related Words
- Owlish (adj): Resembling or characteristic of an owl, often used to describe a solemn, wise, or stern appearance.
- He peered over his glasses with an owlish expression.
- Owlet (n): A young or small owl.
- We found an owlet that had fallen from its nest.
Synonyms
- Bird of prey: A broader category that includes owls, eagles, and hawks.
- Raptor: A technical term for birds of prey.
Related Phrases
- To take owl (Archaic): To be offended or take umbrage.
- Sentinel owl (Poetic/Literary): An owl portrayed as a watchful guardian of the night.
Related Idioms
- To bring owls to Athens: To do something superfluous or unnecessary (equivalent to "carrying coals to Newcastle").
- Selling snow shovels in the desert is like bringing owls to Athens.
Noun
- nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes