hedgehog

American  

[hej-hog, -hawg] / ˈhɛdʒˌhɒg, -ˌhɔg /

noun

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

• hedgehoggy adjective

Etymology

Origin of hedgehog

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

Example Sentences

Scientists at the University of Oxford say ultrasonic sound devices might one day help reduce the number of hedgehogs killed by cars.

From Science Daily

Possibilities, subject to a public consultation, include badgers and otters as well as frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls and newts.

From Barron's

"We discovered, to my great surprise and joy, that hedgehogs can hear up to 85kHz" Rasmussen said.

From BBC

Typical hedge trimming techniques, which use heavy machinery, can leave hedges sparse, creating unfavourable living environments for local animals like birds, hedgehogs and insects.

From BBC

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

From Literature