First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hedge
noun \ˈhej\
: a row of shrubs or small trees that are planted close to each other in order to form a boundary
: something that provides protection or defense
Full Definition of HEDGE
2
: a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)
3
: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement
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Origin of HEDGE
Middle English hegge, from Old English hecg; akin to Old English haga hedge, hawthorn
Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms
2hedge
verb
: to surround (an area) with a hedge
: to avoid giving a promise or direct answer
hedgedhedg·ing
Full Definition of HEDGE
transitive verb
1
: to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge : encircle
2
: to hem in or obstruct with or as if with a barrier : hinder <hedged about by special regulations and statutes — Sandi Rosenbloom>
3
: to protect oneself from losing or failing by a counterbalancing action <hedge a bet>
intransitive verb
1
: to plant, form, or trim a hedge
2
: to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat : trim
3
: to protect oneself financially: as a : to buy or sell commodity futures as a protection against loss due to price fluctuation b : to minimize the risk of a bet
— hedg·er noun
— hedg·ing·ly \ˈhe-jiŋ-lē\ adverb
See hedge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HEDGE
14th century
Related to HEDGE
- Synonyms
- fudge, equivocate, pussyfoot, tergiversate, waffle, weasel
3hedge
adjective
Definition of HEDGE
1
: of, relating to, or designed for a hedge
3
: inferior 3
First Known Use of HEDGE
14th century
HEDGING Defined for Kids
1hedge
noun \ˈhej\
Definition of HEDGE for Kids
: a fence or boundary made up of a thick growth of shrubs or low trees
2hedge
verb
hedgedhedg·ing
Definition of HEDGE for Kids
1
: to surround or protect with a thick growth of shrubs or low trees <The yard is hedged by shrubs.>
2
: to avoid giving a direct or exact answer or promise <The more questions I asked, the more he hedged.>
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