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

The single-deck boards look much like a skateboard with no trucks or wheels, and the sport is primarily performed on street features like stair sets, rails and ledges. —Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Climbers inch along narrow ledges with exposure up to 500 feet high, aided by iron rungs, cables, and ladders bolted into the rock. —AFAR Media, 23 May 2025

The bridge is popular among beachgoers, with people jumping off the ledge into the water. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025

In a video of the daring rescue, RNLI crew members arrive to the cliff edge by the water, and climb up to the ledge, where a soaked, cold and nervous Ember is trapped. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 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