hedgehog

[ hej-hog, -hawg ]

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.

hedgehog

/ 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) erinaceous
2. any other insectivore of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat
3. any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine

Other Words From

• hedgehoggy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hedgehog¹

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

Example Sentences

Hedgehog boxes have become something of a speciality for Neil O'Brien, who has been coming here since 2019.

From BBC

She added he loved animals, particularly his corn snake and pygmy hedgehog.

From BBC

The Walter Bosse stacking hedgehog ashtray, stacked ...

From Los Angeles Times

The most novel is from the mid-1950s and appears to be an adorable brass hedgehog figurine.

From Los Angeles Times

That is until Rogen, with all the flourish of a magician, unstacked the hedgehog’s bristly back onto the table on front of him.

From Los Angeles Times