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

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

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

The mammals are: the bottlenose dolphin, the brown hare, the European hedgehog, the grey seal, the pine martin and the red fox.

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 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

She just burrows through, like the hedgehog Dad hates in our backyard.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

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

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

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

"We urge people as they are clearing their gardens to be aware that wildlife, mainly hedgehogs, could be hiding within the garden waste."

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 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

You could hear the hedgehogs scrabbling into their nests.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri