hedgehog

American  

[hej-hog, -hawg] / ˈhɛdʒˌhɒg, -ˌhɔg /

noun

• hedgehogs
  plural

1. an Old World, insect-eating mammal of the genus Erinaceus, especially E. europaeus, having spiny hairs on the back and sides.

2. the porcupine.

3. Military.

   1. a portable obstacle made of crossed logs in the shape of an hourglass, usually laced with barbed wire.

   2. an obstructive device consisting of steel bars, angle irons, etc., usually embedded in concrete, designed to damage and impede the boats and tanks of a landing force on a beach.

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hedgehog British  

/ ˈhɛdʒˌhɒɡ /

noun

1. any small nocturnal Old World mammal of the genus Erinaceus, such as E. europaeus, and related genera, having a protective covering of spines on the back: family Erinaceidae, order Insectivora (insectivores)

2. any other insectivore of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat

3. any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• hedgehoggy
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• hedgehogs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hedgehog

First recorded in 1400–50, hedgehog is from the late Middle English word heyghoge. See hedge, hog

Explanation

The hedgehog is a small nocturnal mammal that looks like a walking pincushion due to the collection of spiky quills that cover its furry body. It uses its sharp spines for defense by curling into a tight ball when threatened. Despite its prickly exterior, the hedgehog is known for its charming behavior and gentle nature. Its diet mainly consists of insects, making it helpful for pest control in gardens. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, the hedgehog digs burrows for shelter and has a keen sense of smell to find food. It also plays significant roles in various cultural stories and folklore, often symbolizing protection and strength. Hedgehogs have even become popular pets due to their unique and endearing qualities.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hedgehog hedgehogs

Yet the ancient Greek poet Archilochus, who gave us the parable of the fox and the hedgehog, suggests that the hedgehog’s one big trick may defeat all the tricks the fox can try.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

Road deaths can kill nearly a third of a hedgehog population and push smaller communities towards extinction, a new study has shown.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

Their structure has often been compared to the spines of a hedgehog.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

It also funds the park's on-site hedgehog hospital.

From BBC ● May 30, 2026

My parents said that I was born with a sharp cry and a personality as prickly as an African hedgehog.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince

Polish and German soldiers worked for five weeks at the frontier to dig trenches, lay barbed wire and place long lines of concrete barriers known as "hedgehogs" across the landscape.

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

Thousands of concrete tetrapod "hedgehogs", designed to slow or stop armoured vehicles, now line the border.

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

They were inspired by attending a talk about Shropshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy where they heard about a dramatic reduction in moths, butterflies, and hedgehogs as well as the loss of many of England's meadows.

From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026

Such insights can also be combined with data gathered elsewhere - including tiny GPS trackers physically attached to some hedgehogs to monitor their movements in real time.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

Badgers are one of the few creatures which can munch up hedgehogs unconcernedly, just as they can munch up everything else from wasps’ nests and roots to baby rabbits.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White