hedgehog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, used in everyday, literary, and some technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hedgehog” mean?
A small, nocturnal mammal with a body covered in sharp spines (quills), which rolls into a ball for defense.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, nocturnal mammal with a body covered in sharp spines (quills), which rolls into a ball for defense.
Can refer to anything with a spiny appearance, or be used metaphorically for a defensive or prickly person. In finance, it refers to a 'hedge fund of hedge funds'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The animal is native to both regions.
Connotations
In both cultures, it typically connotes cuteness, shyness, and defensiveness. A popular children's book character in the UK.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to the common native species (Erinaceus europaeus) and cultural presence (e.g., Beatrix Potter's Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle).
Grammar
How to Use “hedgehog” in a Sentence
[Verb] a hedgehog (e.g., rescue, spot, avoid)The hedgehog [verb] (e.g., rolled up, snuffled)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hedgehog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team decided to hedgehog their investments after the market downturn.
- The new policy could hedgehog innovation.
American English
- The fund aims to hedgehog against volatility.
- Such regulations may hedgehog economic growth.
adjective
British English
- He has a rather hedgehog personality in meetings.
- The hedgehog-like bristles on the brush.
American English
- She gave a hedgehog response to the criticism.
- A hedgehog cactus grew in the desert.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'Hedge fund of hedge funds' (financial sector).
Academic
In zoology, ecology, and literature.
Everyday
Talking about wildlife, gardens, pets.
Technical
Zoological classification: family Erinaceidae, subfamily Erinaceinae.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hedgehog”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hedgehog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hedgehog”
- Misspelling as 'hedgeog' or 'hedgehogg'. Using 'porcupine' interchangeably (different animal families).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are from different mammalian orders. Hedgehogs are smaller, have shorter, non-detachable spines, and are insectivores. Porcupines are larger rodents with long, detachable quills.
Yes, the African pygmy hedgehog is a common pet in some countries, but ownership may be restricted or require a license in others. They have specific care needs.
This is not a standard term. You may be thinking of a 'zebra crossing'. 'Hedgehog crossing' is sometimes used in UK road safety campaigns warning drivers to be aware of hedgehogs.
It usually means they are defensive, easily offended, or reluctant to engage openly, similar to the animal's protective behavior.
A small, nocturnal mammal with a body covered in sharp spines (quills), which rolls into a ball for defense.
Hedgehog is usually neutral, used in everyday, literary, and some technical contexts. in register.
Hedgehog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛdʒ.hɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛdʒ.hɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To hedgehog one's bets (rare, derived from 'hedge')”
- “As prickly as a hedgehog”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEDGE + HOG: It's a 'hog' (foraging, snuffling animal) that lives in hedges.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFENSIVENESS IS A SPINE / PRICKLINESS (e.g., 'He's a bit of a hedgehog when questioned.')
Practice
Quiz
In Isaiah Berlin's philosophical essay 'The Hedgehog and the Fox', what does the 'hedgehog' symbolize?