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

Falling for someone like him felt like stepping off a ledge without knowing what was below. —Erica Holopainen, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

The interior is half taken up by the kitchen, plus an ordering counter and brief, shallow ledges for eating-in. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025

Robins Robins don't nest in cavities, preferring to make their homes on horizontal branches or flat surfaces like ledges and eaves. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025

These ottoman-style seats are different from the rest, featuring a large footrest rather than the standard small, triangular ledge, although preselecting one comes with a $100 price tag. —Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 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