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

German settlers brought the tradition to Pennsylvania in the 19th century, swapping the hedgehog for the local groundhogs. —Rachel Dobkin, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025

Due to a lack of hedgehogs, the settlers began using another hibernating mammal: The groundhog. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

But unfortunately for the big cat, a tiny but sassy hedgehog is a mile ahead of the pre-Christmas box office race. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 21 Dec. 2024

Schwartz has played Sonic, the blue, speedy hedgehog, since the original 2020 movie; Idris came on board as the super-strong Knuckles, a red echidna, in the 2022 sequel; and now action icon Reeves is Shadow, an evil, black hedgehog, in the third installment. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024

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

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