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

There’s also McKeon taking me to Mass during the 2003 World Series, the Marlins manager not breaking stride to put a cigar on a ledge while entering the church and sticking it back in his mouth on the way out. — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Pool toys were strewn about on the ledge. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 26 June 2026

The standard park events, featured for both male and female skateboarders and BMX riders, sees athletes perform various tricks on obstacles like ramps, bowls, quarterpipes and ledges across a single run through a course. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

Arabian red foxes—commonly found in the emirate—occasionally appear against a stone ledge outside the windows. — Mona Basharat, Architectural Digest, 25 June 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