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

For example, when Athena hits a step or an obstacle, the front flippers extend forward and upward, hooking onto the ledge before pulling up the rest of the robot and stabilizing it. —New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026

This created a conglomeration of steep cliffs, ledges, and stair-step walls— many plunging over 1,400 feet from rim to creek. —Anthony Fredericks, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

Stroll leisurely to admire the wide variety of wildflowers that grow along the ledges or dare to dip below the dramatic quartz and sandstone into the narrow crevices of the cliffs. —Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026

My nephew Harold and I headed for a series of ledges at the top of South Mountain. —Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026

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