hedgehog

noun hedge·hog \ ˈhej-ˌhȯg , -ˌhäg \

Updated on: 4 May 2018

Definition of hedgehog

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

See hedgehog defined for English-language learners

See hedgehog defined for kids

Recent Examples of hedgehog from the Web

Ferrets, fish, gerbils, frogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, rabbits, rats, unspecified reptiles.

— karin brulliard, chicagotribune.com, "Animal house? More colleges are saying yes to dogs and cats in dorms.," 14 Apr. 2018
After April, the park’s collection of cacti, which include ocotillo, yucca, hedgehog, saguaro, and aloes, share their regal blooms.

— Sunset, "Where to See Wildflowers This Season," 22 Jan. 2018
For example, leading zoos around the world over the decades have managed to breed fewer than 50 echidnas — strange, egg-laying mammals that resemble hedgehogs.

— rachel nuwer, New York Times, "That Python in the Pet Store? It May Have Been Snatched From the Wild," 9 Apr. 2018
Dozens of the popular cartoon bobblehead figures depicting Marvel and other movie characters remain in their boxes on top of Carli's dresser, and her pet hedgehog still lives in its cage on a second dresser.

— joe ward, Chicago Reader, "When a Chicago cop’s daughter shot herself to death, it sent her family on a mission to warn others on the growing risk of teen suicide," 28 Mar. 2018
Her clients include Barbra Streisand, who got a portrait of her beloved Maltese, Miss Fanny; and Lena Dunham, who requested a picture of hedgehogs.

— mackenzie schmidt, PEOPLE.com, "Candice Bergen Says the Oldest Thing in Her House Is Her Husband in Interview with Daughter," 23 Feb. 2018
Staff there said the hedgehogs had probably been snacking on food left out for pets.

— Washington Post, "Prickles and a paunch: Israel’s overweight hedgehogs go on diet," 6 Mar. 2018
Patients have included dogs and cats, of course, but also a bearded dragon lizard, a hamster, a hedgehog and a pot-bellied pig.

— nancy dahlberg, miamiherald, "Customers give this South Florida startup two paws up | Miami Herald," 23 Feb. 2018
Asking a hedgehog to predict the weather apparently stems back to Roman times.

— matt campbell, kansascity, "Who needs groundhogs? KC Zoo has a sharper forecaster: A hedgehog," 2 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hedgehog.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.

Illustration of hedgehog

First Known Use of hedgehog

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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HEDGEHOG Defined for English Language Learners

hedgehog

noun

Definition of hedgehog for English Language Learners

: a small, brown animal of Europe, Asia, and Africa that has sharp spines on its back and that can roll itself up into a ball

HEDGEHOG Defined for Kids

hedgehog

noun hedge·hog \ ˈhej-ˌhȯg , -ˌhäg \

Definition of hedgehog for Students

1 : a mammal of Europe, Asia, and Africa that eats insects, has sharp spines mixed with the hair on its back, and is able to roll itself up into a ball when threatened

2 : porcupine