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

Using an AI tool called Tessera, which analyses detailed images of the UK gathered from space, experts can precisely determine locations of hedgehog habitats - and where these are disappearing.

From BBC ● May 18, 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

A hasty diagnosis revealed that the hedgehog was suffering from a long jagged wound that ran from the back of his ear to the tip of his paw.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

The huge, open-source Tessera system is not just for hedgehogs, however.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

Those behind the project hope it will help to shed light not just on where hedgehogs live across the UK, but barriers preventing them from finding food and mates.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

Only male hedgehogs are chosen to avoid disturbing nesting females.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

However, almost nothing is known about how hedgehogs navigate urban environments and what obstacles they face.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

But elil they met none and although they were continually on the watch for signs of an Efrafan patrol, they saw nothing but mice, and a few hedgehogs hunting for slugs along the ditches.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams