noun
hedge
HEHJ
noun
1
A row of closely planted bushes or shrubs forming a barrier or boundary.
"They trimmed the hedge along the front garden every spring."
"A tall hedge separated the two properties."
2
A financial move made to reduce or offset the risk of a loss elsewhere.
"The airline bought fuel contracts as a hedge against rising oil prices."
3
A vague or noncommittal statement made to avoid being pinned down.
"His answer was such a hedge that nobody knew what he actually thought."
verb
1
To avoid giving a straight answer or firm commitment.
"She hedged when asked if she'd take the job."
"Investors are hedging their bets until the election results are in."
How to Use Hedge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a bush-boundary in a garden, or a way of protecting yourself from risk or from committing to a clear answer.
Common pairings
hedge your bets
trim the hedge
hedge against inflation
Word Forms
hedged past tense, hedges plural, Hedges plural, hedges singular
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Etymology
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.