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 Sports Den is where sports enthusiasts will find a pool table, multiple flat screen TVs and a stand-up drink ledge. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024

Video released Wednesday by Seattle Police Department showed the dramatic moment a 57-year-old man was standing on a ledge above train tracks last week while surrounding officers try to persuade him to climb up to safety. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024

One firefighter was seen shimmying on a narrow ledge, with ropes in hand, making his way toward the worker. —Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024

At the last minute, major Venezuelan officials backed off the ledge. —Zach Dorfman, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English legge bar of a gate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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