hedgehog

noun hedge·hog \ˈhej-ˌhȯg, -ˌhäg\

: 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

Full Definition of HEDGEHOG

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 (as a porcupine)

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

Illustration of HEDGEHOG

First Known Use of HEDGEHOG

15th century

Rhymes with HEDGEHOG

agog, backlog, befog, bullfrog, defog, eclogue, eggnog, footslog, gas log, groundhog, gulag, ice fog, leapfrog, photog, prologue, putlog, quahog, road hog, sandhog, stalag, tree frog, unclog, warthog, Weblog, whole hog, wood frog, Yule log

HEDGEHOG Defined for Kids

hedgehog

noun hedge·hog \ˈhej-ˌhȯg, -ˌhäg\

Definition of HEDGEHOG for Kids

: 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

: porcupine