Poople #161 Answer: OWLS to POOP
January 22, 2026 · Hard · 8 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from OWLS to POOP takes 8 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1OWLSAWLS1st letter, O to A
- Step 2AWLSAILS2nd letter, W to I
- Step 3AILSAIDS3rd letter, L to D
- Step 4AIDSBIDS1st letter, A to B
- Step 5BIDSBODS2nd letter, I to O
- Step 6BODSBOOS3rd letter, D to O
- Step 7BOOSBOOP4th letter, S to P
- Step 8BOOPPOOP1st letter, B to P
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About this puzzle
Par 8 of 11. Rated Hard.
8 distinct shortest path(s) from OWLS to POOP.
OWLS connects to 5 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Harder than #160 (ROSY, par 5) by 3 move(s). #160 ROSY
Harder than #162 (RIGS, par 5) by 3 move(s). #162 RIGS
How the routes branch
Right after OWLS, 3 different words keep the route just as short: AWLS, OILS, OWLY. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
This ladder from OWLS to POOP had some real *hoots* along the way. That's a lot of "o" words!
Bridge words
- OWLS(noun)
- Nocturnal birds of prey with large eyes and a hooting call.
- AWLS(noun)
- small pointed tools used for piercing holes, especially in leather or wood
- AILS(verb)
- troubles or afflicts in a way that causes pain or discomfort
- AIDS(noun)
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a disease that severely weakens the immune system
- BIDS(verb)
- offers to pay a specific price for something, especially at an auction
- BODS(noun)
- people or individuals, often used informally or humorously
- BOOS(noun)
- Shouts of disapproval made by a crowd.
- BOOP(noun)
- A gentle playful tap, especially on the nose.
First moves from OWLS
OWLS has 5 legal first moves. 3 of them stay on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 7 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 9 moves total to POOP.
Costs two extra moves: 10 moves total to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
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Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #161 answer?
The #161 start word is OWLS. One shortest path to POOP takes 8 moves: OWLS -> AWLS -> AILS -> AIDS -> BIDS -> BODS -> BOOS -> BOOP -> POOP.
How many words can I change OWLS into in one move?
You can change OWLS into 5 different four-letter words in one move. These words include AWLS, OILS, and OWLY, which are all part of a shortest solution to POOP.
Is it better to start with OWLY or OILS?
Both OWLY and OILS are excellent first moves, as they both lead to a shortest solution of 8 moves. OWLY immediately leads to OILY, while OILS has several paths, including one that goes through NILS.
Does moving to OWES or OWNS make the puzzle much harder?
Moving to OWES or OWNS will add turns to your solution, but they do not make the puzzle impossible. OWES will add one extra move, and OWNS will add two extra moves to your total.
What is the longest word chain in a shortest solution for this puzzle?
The longest word chain in a shortest solution for this puzzle is 9 words long. For example, one path is OWLS to OILS, then NILS, NIBS, NOBS, COBS, COOS, COOP, and finally POOP.