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

Moss Pink Also known as creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), this ground cover forms lush mats of flowers and foliage and looks pretty spilling over a low wall or rock ledge. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025

Many of the most striking features perch above the street with statues of mythological figures and animals adorning rooftops and ledges. —AFAR Media, 11 Apr. 2025

Mocha loves looking out the windows on her cat ledge, taking naps and playing with all of her toys. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025

Newcomers joined their friends in an expanding group along the terrace ledge. —Ayşegül Savaş, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 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