Porcupine: meaning, definitions and examples

animal type

A porcupine is a large rodent known for its coat of sharp spines, or quills, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. These creatures are mostly nocturnal and are found in forests, grasslands, and other habitats across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia. Porcupines are herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark. They can also climb trees quite well, which aids in foraging for food. When threatened, porcupines may rattle their quills or charge backward to drive them into an attacker.

porky, quill pig, thorny creature.

Examples of usage

• The porcupine climbed the tree quickly.

• He was surprised to find a porcupine in his backyard.

• Porcupines eat mostly bark and leaves.

• The porcupine's quills can deter most predators.