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

Almost all of the species investigated benefit from lawns as they are home to soil organisms that also serve as a food source, for hedgehogs and birds, for example.

From Science Daily

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

From BBC

Lidl has removed hedgehog huts from its stores after a hedgehog conservation group raised safety concerns about the product.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

The female hedgehog, which had inflated to twice its normal size, was discovered in a field near Quedgeley, Gloucestershire.

From BBC