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

Rescue teams, comprising experts from SARA, HM Coastguard Chepstow, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, worked together to lower a firefighter to the ledge where the dog was trapped. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

One of the most serious attacks happened Sunday when a 12-year-old boy was attacked after jumping from a 20-foot ledge known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in eastern Sydney. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026

On Sunday, a 12-year-old boy was attacked after jumping from a 20-foot ledge known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach inside Sydney Harbor. —CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

Huber carried Peyton off the ledge and into the woods, about ten feet away. —Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 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