Illustration of hedgehog
- hedgehog 1a
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
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
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Sign up As omnivorous eaters, an unchecked population of stoats also poses a threat to mice, rabbits, hedgehogs and birds, including Orkney's population of curlews and hen harriers.
—
Abby Wilson, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024
My sister helps create safe spaces for hedgehogs at the University of Edinburgh.
—Amy Brady, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2024
The movie directed by Jeff Fowler follows Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), a blue, lightning-fast hedgehog who is forced to flee his home planet and hide on Earth from his enemies.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
Sonic is a speedy blue hedgehog that became a mascot for the Sega brand after his first appearance in the early 1990s.
—Bailey Kanthatham, Orange County Register, 9 Oct. 2024
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Abby Wilson, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024
My sister helps create safe spaces for hedgehogs at the University of Edinburgh.
—Amy Brady, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2024
The movie directed by Jeff Fowler follows Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), a blue, lightning-fast hedgehog who is forced to flee his home planet and hide on Earth from his enemies.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
Sonic is a speedy blue hedgehog that became a mascot for the Sega brand after his first appearance in the early 1990s.
—Bailey Kanthatham, Orange County Register, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hedgehog
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Cite this Entry
“Hedgehog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hedgehog. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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