# porcupine

/ˈpɔɹkjəˌpaɪn/ (US) · /pˈɔːkjuːpˌaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/porcupine
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a small animal with a body covered in sharp spines. It uses these spines to protect itself from predators.

For teachers: a small, nocturnal mammal of the family Erethizontidae, characterized by a coat of sharp quills used for defense.

## Examples

- The porcupine rolled into a ball to protect itself.
- While hiking through the forest, we spotted a porcupine foraging for bark and berries.
- The porcupine's quills are actually modified hairs that contain tiny barbs, making them difficult for predators to remove once they become embedded in the skin.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.