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

According to research published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the possum was only the size of a modern-day hedgehog but was gigantic in comparison to other possum species at the time. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2025

The fox knows that bit of this, bit of that, and hedgehog really digs deep. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2025

Despite the horse race between hedgehog and lion, there were many upsides here for Paramount. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025

Inside the big canvas structure, visitors find giant hares — that’s a rabbit — lizards, bantam chickens, chinchillas and hedgehogs, many of which are being seen for the first time by curious children. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025

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

Rhymes for hedgehog

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• synagogue
• tagalog

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