monkey-faced owl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low)Colloquial, specialist (ornithology, birdwatching)
Quick answer
What does “monkey-faced owl” mean?
A common name for the barn owl (Tyto alba), referring specifically to its distinctive, heart-shaped facial disc with dark eyes that resembles a primate's face.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the barn owl (Tyto alba), referring specifically to its distinctive, heart-shaped facial disc with dark eyes that resembles a primate's face.
A whimsical or descriptive term used in birdwatching and folklore to highlight the barn owl's unique, somewhat humanoid facial features.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both regions but is more common in older British naturalist writings. In American birding guides, 'barn owl' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
UK: Slightly archaic, evocative of rural folklore. US: A colorful, almost humorous descriptor used primarily by enthusiasts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both dialects. It survives in historical texts, regional stories, and among a niche subset of birdwatchers.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey-faced owl” in a Sentence
The [adjective] monkey-faced owl [verb] ...To see/hear a monkey-faced owlVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey-faced owl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old woods are said to be monkey-faced owled by a solitary pair.
American English
- He claimed to have monkey-faced owled in that barn for years.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- We caught a glimpse of its monkey-faced owl silhouette.
American English
- It had that characteristic monkey-faced owl look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used in formal ornithology; the scientific name 'Tyto alba' is standard.
Everyday
Virtually unused. A speaker might use it for vivid storytelling.
Technical
Used occasionally in popular birdwatching guides or wildlife photography for descriptive flair.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey-faced owl”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey-faced owl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey-faced owl”
- Using it as a standard term instead of 'barn owl'.
- Capitalizing it as if it were a proper name (e.g., 'Monkey-Faced Owl').
- Applying it to other owl species with round faces.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a descriptive nickname. The bird's official common name is the barn owl, and its scientific name is Tyto alba.
It is not recommended for formal academic writing. Use 'barn owl' or 'Tyto alba' instead, unless you are specifically discussing historical or colloquial names.
The barn owl has a unique, heart-shaped facial disc of white feathers, with dark eyes positioned within it. This arrangement, to some observers, resembles the flat face and eyes of a monkey or other primate.
Yes, many owl species have descriptive folk names. For example, the burrowing owl is sometimes called the 'howdy owl' because of its bobbing motion, which resembles a nod.
A common name for the barn owl (Tyto alba), referring specifically to its distinctive, heart-shaped facial disc with dark eyes that resembles a primate's face.
Monkey-faced owl is usually colloquial, specialist (ornithology, birdwatching) in register.
Monkey-faced owl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋ.kiˌfeɪst aʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋ.kiˌfeɪst aʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms. The term itself is a metaphorical description.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an OWL sitting in a tree, but its white, heart-shaped face looks just like a curious MONKEY peering out from the leaves.
Conceptual Metaphor
FACE IS ANOTHER ENTITY'S FACE (The owl's facial disc is metaphorically mapped onto the face of a monkey).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'monkey-faced owl' MOST appropriate?