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

Example Sentences

birds perched on the ledge of a building

a ledge on the side of the mountain

Recent Examples on the Web

Chiappe perched on a small ledge alongside the dinosaur’s lower leg, expertly dispatching fist-sized chunks of rock with a chisel. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2022

Dangling from a rope 30 feet (9 meters) above the ground with a canvas bag slung around his neck, Bedrosian shouldered his way into a golden eagle nest lodged in a cliff ledge. —Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022

Teams start off standing on a ledge hanging over the edge of a 30-story building, and TJ will go down the line asking questions. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 28 July 2022

While most areas of the game are incredibly well designed, not every ledge inevitably offers a path. —Matt Gardner, Forbes, 18 July 2022

Leo, a 4-year-old cocker spaniel-poodle mix, jumped over a railing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising and fell 25-30 feet to a ledge below, but managed to survive until rescuers came to his aid. —Sarah Raza, Detroit Free Press, 12 July 2022

The video, posted on Facebook Monday, shows a rescue team approach the boulder via a helicopter as a rescuer lowers down to the ledge, where the climber was already receiving medical attention. —Emma Talley, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Aug. 2022

Each pair must stand on a ledge hanging off a 30-story building and answer Lavin's questions. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 27 July 2022

Some push forward, in front of the ledge, others recede. —Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English legge bar of a gate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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