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

The queen consort is a noted fan of the collection, wearing not only the dog pin but also the dove, hummingbird, hedgehog, rabbit, squirrel, and owl pins since 2020 (per The Court Jeweller). —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026

While the song mentions no animals, in Germany the tradition became associated with hedgehogs, later transitioning to groundhogs in the United States. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026

So who wins the battle between the fox and the hedgehog? —Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026

This American groundhog tradition apparently started with German immigrants recalling the spring emergence of badgers and hedgehogs in the old country. —Steven Sullivan, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026

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