hedgehog

noun

hedge·​hog ˈhej-ˌhȯg 

-ˌhäg

1

a

: any of a subfamily (Erinaceinae) of Eurasian and African nocturnal insectivores that have both hair and spines which they present outwardly by rolling themselves up when threatened

b

: any of several spiny mammals (such as a porcupine)

2

a

: a military defensive obstacle (as of barbed wire)

b

: a well-fortified military stronghold

Illustration of hedgehog

• hedgehog 1a

Did you know?

There are 14 species of hedgehogs. All prefer animal food, such as insects, but will eat plant material. There are nine species of spiny hedgehogs. They have short, barbless spines on the back, a round body, small head, pointed face, and little or no tail, and range from 4 in (10 cm) to 17 in (44 cm) long. Spiny hedgehogs are native to Britain, North Africa, and Asia; one species was introduced into New Zealand. There are five species of hairy hedgehog; all are Asian. They have coarse guard hairs, but no spines and are extremely malodorous. The common hairy hedgehog may be 18 in (46 cm) long and have a 12-in (30 cm) tail.

Examples of hedgehog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amy Rose appears as a pink hedgehog whose chief weapon is the Piko Piko Hammer. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Everyone’s second-favorite speedy blue hedgehog is back to fight more baddies, and this time, the gloves come off stay on again. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2024

Advertisement The Walter Bosse stacking hedgehog ashtray, stacked ... Walter Bosse stacking hedgehog Rogen’s favorites include a couple of pieces designed by Viennese ceramicist, sculptor and metalworker Walter Bosse (1904-79). —Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024

The cheerful giraffe is one of several animal planters to choose from, with other options including an adorable dachshund, spiky hedgehog and sly fox. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heyghoge, from heyg, hegge hedge entry 1 + hoge, hogge hog entry 1

Note: See note at urchin.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

hedgehog

noun

hedge·​hog ˈhej-ˌhȯg 

-ˌhäg

1

: any of several mammals of Europe, Asia, and Africa that eat insects, have sharp spines mixed with the hair on their back, and are able to roll themselves up into a spiny ball when threatened

2

: porcupine