Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » hedge

hedge

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a hedge is a boundary or fence formed by closely planted bushes or trees.

(noun)

An example of hedge is a line of bushes planted close together creating a border.

Hedge is defined as something you do to minimize loss.

(verb)

An example of hedge is to buy the stocks of two competing companies so that you will receive an increase in the value of one stock even if the other stock declines in value.

See hedge in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a row of closely planted shrubs, bushes, or trees forming a boundary or fence
anything serving as a fence or barrier; restriction or defense
the act or an instance of hedging

Origin: ME hegge < OE hecg, akin to Ger hecke < IE base *kagh-, wickerwork, wickerwork pen > ON heggr, L caulae, sheepfold: basic sense “woven fence, enclosure”

adjective

of, in, or near a hedge
low, disreputable, irregular, etc.

transitive verb hedged, hedging

to place a hedge around or along; border or bound with a hedge
to hinder or guard as by surrounding with a barrier: often with in
to try to avoid or lessen loss in connection with (a bet, risk, etc.) by making counterbalancing bets, investments, etc.

intransitive verb

to hide or protect oneself, as if behind a hedge
to hide behind words; refuse to commit oneself or give a direct answer
to try to avoid or lessen loss by making counterbalancing bets, investments, etc.

Related Forms:

hedger noun

See hedge in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A row of closely planted shrubs or low-growing trees forming a fence or boundary.
A line of people or objects forming a barrier: a hedge of spectators along the sidewalk.
a. A means of protection or defense, especially against financial loss: a hedge against inflation.
b. A securities transaction that reduces the risk on an existing investment position.
An intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement.
A word or phrase, such as possibly or I think, that mitigates or weakens the certainty of a statement.

verb hedged hedged, hedg·ing, hedg·es

verb, transitive

To enclose or bound with or as if with hedges.
To hem in, hinder, or restrict with or as if with a hedge.
To minimize or protect against the loss of by counterbalancing one transaction, such as a bet, against another.

verb, intransitive