prairie owl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized/Regional)Informal, Regional, Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “prairie owl” mean?
A common name for the Burrowing Owl, a small, long-legged ground-dwelling owl native to open landscapes like grasslands and prairies in the Americas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the Burrowing Owl, a small, long-legged ground-dwelling owl native to open landscapes like grasslands and prairies in the Americas.
In a broader context, it can sometimes be used to refer to other owl species found in prairie habitats. In literature or regional speech, it may evoke themes of the American frontier, isolation, or the nocturnal life of the plains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American, referring to a New World species/habitat. In British English, it would be a foreign term used only in specific contexts (e.g., nature documentaries, American literature).
Connotations
In American English: evokes the Western frontier, open spaces, rural life. In British English: exotic, associated with American wilderness.
Frequency
Very rare in British English. Low-frequency, regionally specific term in American English, common in the Great Plains and Western states.
Grammar
How to Use “prairie owl” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] prairie owl [VERB].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prairie owl” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- We went on a prairie-owl spotting tour in Nebraska.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ecology, biology, or environmental science papers discussing grassland species.
Everyday
Used in rural communities in prairie regions; otherwise uncommon.
Technical
Used informally in ornithology and wildlife management, though 'Burrowing Owl' is the preferred technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prairie owl”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prairie owl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prairie owl”
- Confusing it with more common owl species like the Barn Owl.
- Using it as a general term for any owl in a field.
- Capitalising it as a proper name (unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most common usage, 'prairie owl' is a regional name for the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia).
Primarily in rural areas of the central and western United States and Canada, in regions with native prairie grassland.
In scientific or academic writing, 'Burrowing Owl' is the standard term. 'Prairie owl' is acceptable in informal, regional, or descriptive writing.
No, Burrowing Owls (prairie owls) are terrestrial and typically live in underground burrows, often those abandoned by other animals like prairie dogs.
A common name for the Burrowing Owl, a small, long-legged ground-dwelling owl native to open landscapes like grasslands and prairies in the Americas.
Prairie owl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpreə.ri aʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprer.i aʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wide PRAIRIE where an OWL lives in a burrow, not a tree.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PRAIRIE OWL IS A SENTINEL OF THE OPEN PLAINS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate synonym for 'prairie owl' in ornithology?