diff --git a/lisp/progmodes/python.el b/lisp/progmodes/python.el
index 8ec9febe5c9..9091289b62e 100644
--- a/lisp/progmodes/python.el
+++ b/lisp/progmodes/python.el
@@ -5136,7 +5136,7 @@ returned as is."
   (add-to-list
    'hs-special-modes-alist
    `(python-mode
-     "\\s-*\\(?:def\\|class\\)\\>"
+     "\\s-*\\_<\\(?:def\\|class\\)\\_>"
      ;; Use the empty string as end regexp so it doesn't default to
      ;; "\\s)".  This way parens at end of defun are properly hidden.
      ""