ridge

1 of 2

noun

1
: an elevated body part or structure
2
a
: a range of hills or mountains
b
: an elongate elevation on an ocean bottom
3
: an elongate crest or a linear series of crests
4
: a raised strip (as of plowed ground)
5
: the line of intersection at the top between the opposite slopes or sides of a roof
ridged adjective

ridge

2 of 2

verb

ridged; ridging

transitive verb

: to form into a ridge

intransitive verb

: to extend in ridges

Examples of ridge in a Sentence

Noun We hiked along the ridge. the ridges on the sole of a boot the ridge of a roof
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025 If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2025
Verb
Gnarled oak follows, its bark ridged and furrowed with age. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 July 2025 The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic road that tops Appalachian Mountains ridges in Virginia and North Carolina. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rigge, from Old English hrycg; akin to Old High German hrukki ridge, back

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ridge was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ridge. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ridge

1 of 2 noun
: a raised or elevated part or area: as
a
: a range of hills or mountains
b
: the line made where two sloping surfaces come together
the ridge of a roof
ridged adjective

ridge

2 of 2 verb
ridged; ridging
: to form into or extend in ridges

Medical Definition

ridge

noun
: a raised or elevated part and especially a body part: as
a
: the projecting or elevated part of the back along the line of the backbone
b
: an elevated body part projecting from a surface

More from Merriam-Webster on ridge

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