ledge

noun

ˈlej 

1

: a raised or projecting edge or molding intended to protect or check

a window ledge

2

: an underwater ridge or reef especially near the shore

3

a

: a narrow flat surface or shelf

especially : one that projects from a wall of rock

We rappelled down the cliff and reached the ledge.

b

: rock that is solid or continuous enough to form ledges : bedrock

the field was full of ledge

4

: lode, vein

ledgy

ˈle-jē 

adjective

Examples of ledge in a Sentence

birds perched on the ledge of a building

a ledge on the side of the mountain

Recent Examples on the Web

Dual ultrasonic sensors identify steps, edges, and shallow platforms, enabling more consistent cleaning across tanning ledges and shallow zones. —Ie Creative Studio, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Arriving officers encountered a suicidal man on the top ledge of the garage. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026

George, then 8, put his hand on the balcony ledge, but Charlotte, then 7, corrected him, telling him to fix his posture. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025

After his captain gave him a discreet thumbs-up, Tizzard moved forward and grabbed the woman from the ledge as a fellow trooper held onto his belt. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English legge bar of a gate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ledge

• dredge
• edge
• hedge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge
• allege
• straightedge

Kids Definition

ledge

noun

ˈlej 

1

: a projecting ridge or raised edge along a surface

2

: an underwater ridge or reef especially near the shore

3

: a narrow flat surface or shelf

especially : one that sticks out from a wall of rock