hedge

The word “hedge” means a row of closely planted bushes or shrubs forming a barrier or boundary. In plain terms, either a bush-boundary in a garden, or a way of protecting yourself from risk or from committing to a clear answer.

“Hedge” is pronounced HEHJ (/ˈhɛd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

Here is “hedge” used in a sentence: “They trimmed the hedge along the front garden every spring.”

Depending on how it is used, “hedge” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “hedge” comes from Old English. From Old English hecg, meaning a fence or boundary made of bushes. The financial and verbal senses grew out of the idea of "fencing yourself in" — protecting yourself on all sides against risk.

“Hedge” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Hedge” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a row of closely planted bushes or shrubs forming a barrier or boundary.

A hedge is a row of closely planted bushes or shrubs forming a living barrier or boundary, while a fence is a built structure, usually made of wood, metal, or wire. Hedges require trimming and maintenance as living plants, whereas fences are static, manufactured barriers.

In finance, a hedge is a move made to reduce or offset the risk of a loss elsewhere, such as buying an investment that gains value if another one falls. To hedge means taking this kind of protective action against potential losses.

When someone hedges, they avoid giving a straight answer or firm commitment, often using vague or noncommittal language to avoid being pinned down. A hedge in this sense is the vague statement itself, used to keep options open or avoid responsibility.

"Hedge your bets" means to protect yourself against loss or failure by supporting more than one possible outcome, rather than committing fully to just one choice. It draws on the financial sense of hedge, where risk is spread out or offset rather than concentrated.