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

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

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

Filmed on location in Sequoia National Park, “Wowsabout” follows live-action puppets Roxy, a hedgehog, and Ronald, a pig, as they go on a camping trip and learn about the marvels of nature.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

A hedgehog highway is a space that allows them to move through various gardens with ease.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

The hedgehog detection dog is being trained by Conservation Detection Dogs NI and will track down the tags if they fall off and help locate hedgehogs more efficiently.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

Maybe we were making such a tremendous noise as we crashed through the underbrush that even the oldest, slowest hedgehog was able to keep far ahead of us.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins

From spring to late summer, they patrol beaches, check on fencing protecting nests and remove any predators such as hedgehogs.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

Up to three quarters of all of Britain's rural hedgehogs have been lost since the turn of the century, according to a 2022 report.

From BBC ● Jun. 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

Is it the creepy guy at number fifty-four who we always thought turned hedgehogs into wigs?

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler