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

The team first found MRSA in hedgehogs by coincidence years ago when biologist Sophie Rasmussen, who was part of the new work and is now at the University of Oxford, approached Larsen’s team about sampling a freezer full of dead hedgehogs.

From Science News

Sea bass cooked low and slow with lavender and lime and delivered on steel-cut oats and hedgehog mushrooms is one of those combinations that make you go “huh” when you read about it and “whoa!”

From Washington Post

The call came in so fast, we had just been having a tea party with your hedgehog.

From Washington Post

Researchers tested hundreds of animals in and around the market for the coronavirus — including animals for sale such as rabbits, hedgehogs, salamanders and birds — but none tested positive.

From Science News

Kate Ryder, founder and CEO, Maven ClinicThe best book that has helped me in my career involves foxes and hedgehogs.

From Fortune

Hedgehog Birthday From the folks who brought you ‘Tiny Hamsters Eating Tiny Burritos’ comes another squee-worthy video.

From The Daily Beast

As you might have already guessed, a tiny hedgehog has a tiny birthday party.

From The Daily Beast

DuBois was a man of many ideas; Washington, of just one: the proverbial contrast of hedgehog and fox.

From The Daily Beast

Once again, the “hedgehog,” as Jeremy is known in the XXX industry, gave hope to round, hairy men everywhere.

From The Daily Beast

“I used to remember drawing Sonic the Hedgehog when I was super young,” says Moss.

From The Daily Beast

Randolph, whose men were on foot, instantly threw them into a schiltron, 'like a hedgehog.'

From Project Gutenberg

A hedgehog crept stealthily along the ground, and at a sudden sound curled himself up like a wee brown bear.

From Project Gutenberg

But even with the sharp eyes, and the sharp, stickery-ickery quills of the hedgehog, Uncle Wiggily couldn't find his fortune.

From Project Gutenberg

A hedgehog is a rough and prickly fellow—better his prickles than the reptile's poisonous slime.

From Project Gutenberg

He is very timid, and when any one approaches him, coils himself up in a ball, like a hedgehog.

From Project Gutenberg