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

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Etymology

Origin of hedgehog

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

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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

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

From BBC ● May 30, 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

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

Animals expected to benefit include native British species such as brown hares, hedgehogs, great crested newts, common toads and the Small Heath butterfly, a spokesperson for the company said.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

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

Despite these pockets of activity, hedgehogs have experienced significant declines in recent decades and they are classified as vulnerable to extinction in Britain.

From BBC ● Jun. 21, 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

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