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

Focus on flat ledges and horizontal trim where dust settles most heavily. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026

The group of seven, which included three children, managed to climb up to a ledge on the cliff as 16-foot waves inched closer by the minute. —Holly Williams, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

Magadini jumped down a ledge and scrambled for cover while two of his friends stayed on the platform above trying to hide. —Maria Verza, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

For example, when Athena hits a step or an obstacle, the front flippers extend forward and upward, hooking onto the ledge before pulling up the rest of the robot and stabilizing it. —New Atlas, 13 Apr. 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