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

Gaba receptors swinging from the ledges of a mind, all shot down. —Kortney Morrow, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026

Wall Street pushback and the jobs of tomorrow Wall Street is attempting to talk the market off the ledge. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026

The shower entrance has a small ledge. —Leandra Beabout, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026

Chandeliers, tops of windows and cabinets, and ledges are all likely going to be out of reach for your house cleaning team to safely reach. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 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