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

Katy Bell said the hedgehog population had "declined by millions" since the 1950s.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

Hunters of Artemis appeared along the rooftops, shooting Orion full of silver arrows until he resembled a glowing hedgehog.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

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

The researchers say Tessera's outputs can be used to track the impact of new housing developments and other environmental changes on landscapes that could affect hedgehogs over time.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

A similar initiative seeking to protect hedgehogs with "backpack"-like trackers is already underway in Northern Ireland.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

The trackers allow the charity to map exactly where the hedgehogs travel each night, including how many gardens they pass through, the roads they navigate, where they locate food and where they rest.

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