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

Rather than small, hidden petroglyphs, these panels covered giant cliff faces that stretched up to 39 meters (128 ft) in height – something that would have required adventurous artists to scale narrow ledges to leave their mark. —New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025

These carvings sit just above a ledge barely wide enough to get a foothold, on a sheer rock face more than 100 feet high. —Martin J. Kernan, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2025

Those pesky ledges, nasty ground falls, and more hazards of the hobby led to 30 lower extremity fractures among climbers last year. —Maya Silver, Outside, 29 Sep. 2025

Usagi is swept away in it and Ryuji follows, as the others hold onto a ledge in desperation. —Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 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