barn owl

American  

noun

1. a yellowish-brown and white owl, Tyto alba, often inhabiting barns and other buildings.

---

barn owl British  

noun

1. any owl of the genus Tyto , esp T. alba , having a pale brown and white plumage, long slender legs, and a heart-shaped face: family Tytonidae

---

Etymology

Origin of barn owl

First recorded in 1665–75

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

barn owl

A giant barn owl, a type of rodent called a hutia, and a burrowing bee entered a cave.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 3, 2026

From an otter, which the beaver pair seem to tolerate, to a hunting barn owl on the water's edge.

From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2026

Veterinarians and engineers have studied how a barn owl flies so smoothly in gusty winds, and discovered wings act like a suspension and stabilise the head and torso when flying through disturbed air.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2025

For those who struggle to tell a bushtit from a barn owl, the team has assembled resources to help distinguish between common local species and can answer individual questions via email.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2025

He spotted Hedwig nestled between a barn owl and a tawny, and hurried over to her, sliding a little on the dropping-strewn floor.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---