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

Plants develop as a gently spreading mound that looks lovely trailing over rocky ledges and stone walls or spilling from containers. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026

The company also recently released an easy-to-put-together Surround Tabletop, which enhances the outdoor experience by creating a rim that not only gives you a safer distance to the fire (a big perk for kids and pets), but works as the perfect ledge for hot cocoa and small plates. —Daniel Modlin, Architectural Digest, 5 Mar. 2026

In the 1960s and 1970s, pots of basil, rosemary, and mint were found on sunny back patios, ledges, and alongside stairs. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026

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