Porcupines Meaning in English
word · lemma: porcupine
Definition
Porcupines are medium-sized animals with sharp, stiff spines (quills) on their back to protect them from predators.
Usage & Nuances
"Porcupine" is mostly used in scientific and general settings—not slang. The plural is "porcupines." Common mistake: don't confuse porcupines with hedgehogs, which are smaller and found in different regions. Phrases like "as prickly as a porcupine" describe someone who's difficult or easily annoyed.
Example Sentences
Porcupines have long, sharp quills on their backs.
basic
Porcupines eat roots, leaves, and branches in the forest.
basic
Children saw two porcupines near the water yesterday.
basic
Be careful, porcupines can't shoot their quills, but they can stick into you if you get too close.
natural
Some people think porcupines are dangerous, but they're usually very shy and avoid humans.
natural
If you've ever seen cartoons, you might remember characters getting stuck with porcupines' quills!
natural