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

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, 21 June 2025

But beyond the extremes, and even beyond the money, experts and advocates say an eldercare crisis could push tens of thousands of Southern California seniors – and their families – to a financial and emotional ledge. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 20 June 2025

Which brings us back to Iran, which sits dangerously close to the ledge’s edge. —Philip Elliott, Time, 19 June 2025

Our money is on the ten-mile round-trip Alum Cave Trail, with highlights including a hike-through rock arch, the cliffy overhang of Alum Cave Bluffs, and narrow ledges to traverse (equipped with metal cables to grab for stability). —Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 6 June 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