plural hedges
1
: a row of shrubs or small trees that are planted close to each other in order to form a boundary
2
: something that provides protection or defense
—usually + against
She invests her money as a hedge against inflation.
hedges against loss/disappointment/uncertainty/failure
hedges; hedged; hedging
1
: to surround (an area) with a hedge
The garden is hedged by flowering shrubs.
2
: to avoid giving a promise or direct answer
She hedged when she was asked to support the campaign.
He hedged his earlier comments about the need for new management.
Cite this Entry
“Hedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hedge. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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