Urchin: meaning, definitions and examples
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urchin
[ ˈəːtʃɪn ]
sea creature
An urchin is a small, spiny sea creature that typically lives in rocky areas along the ocean floor. Urchins are known for their round shape and sharp spines, which they use for protection against predators.
Synonyms
echinoid, sea urchin
Examples of usage
- Have you ever seen an urchin in a tide pool?
- The diver carefully avoided stepping on the urchins hiding among the rocks.
child
In informal British English, an urchin is a young child, especially one who is poorly dressed or unkempt. The term is often used affectionately to refer to a mischievous or endearing child.
Synonyms
ragamuffin, street child
Examples of usage
- The little urchin ran around the playground with a big smile on his face.
- She always had a soft spot for the neighborhood urchins.
Translations
Translations of the word "urchin" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ouriço
🇮🇳 समुद्री साही
🇩🇪 Seeigel
🇮🇩 bulu babi
🇺🇦 морський їжак
🇵🇱 jeżowiec
🇯🇵 ウニ
🇫🇷 oursin
🇪🇸 erizo de mar
🇹🇷 deniz kestanesi
🇰🇷 성게
🇸🇦 قنفذ البحر
🇨🇿 mořský ježek
🇸🇰 morský ježko
🇨🇳 海胆
🇸🇮 morski ježek
🇮🇸 ígelkarl
🇰🇿 теңіз кірпісі
🇬🇪 ზღვის ზღარბი
🇦🇿 dəniz kirpisi
🇲🇽 erizo de mar
Word origin
The word 'urchin' has a fascinating history that dates back to Middle English. Originally, 'urchin' referred to a hedgehog, based on its spiky appearance. Over time, the term evolved to also describe spiny sea creatures and mischievous children. The use of 'urchin' to refer to a child highlights the contrast between innocence and wildness, much like the hedgehog's dual nature as both cute and prickly.