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

And don’t forget to dry your fixtures, glass doors, and shelves or ledges with a microfiber cloth after cleaning to avoid water spots. —Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

Firefighters who rescued a dog that tumbled 40 feet off a sandy cliff over the ocean onto a ledge received plenty of rewards, California officials and news outlets reported. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025

She's got a bathtub, and all the way around is a ledge around her bathtub. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025

After landing on a narrow ledge, the canine waited there for around 20 minutes while authorities and rescue teams rushed to the scene. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 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