About "hedgehog"
How to Split "hedgehog" into Syllables
The word hedgehog is divided into 3 syllables: hed·ge·hog. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- hed — 1st syllable
- ge — 2nd syllable
- hog — 3rd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of hedgehog:
- IPA: /ˈhɛd͡ʒ.hɒɡ/
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📖 Definitions
- A small mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, characterized by their spiny back and often by the habit of rolling up into a ball when attacked, native to Afro-Eurasia.
- 2005, Paul Mitchell, The Favourite, Frank Moorhouse, The Best Australian Stories 2005, page 145,
📚 Word Origin & History
From Middle English heyghoge; equivalent to hedge + hog. Eclipsed non-native Middle English yrchoun, irchoun (“hedgehog”), from Old French hirchoun, herichon (“hedgehog”); and displaced earlier Middle English il, from Old English īl, iġil (“hedgehog”). In the philosophical sense, from the 1953 essay The Hedgehog and the Fox by Isaiah Berlin.
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down hedgehog into syllables helps with:
- Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
- Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
- Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
- Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
- Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness
📊 Similar Words Comparison
Compare hedgehog with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| hedgehog | 3 | hed·ge·hog |
| hatch | 1 | hatch |
| hideous | 2 | hid-eous |
| headache | 3 | hea-da-che |
| Hades | 2 | ha-des |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to hedgehog:
hedge, hedger, hedging, hedgehop, hedgerow, hedonism, hedonist, hedonistic.