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

Flashback: Constructed in 1866, the 32-foot pyramid was built from basalt taken from a ledge on the north side of what is now Oswego Lake and could withstand temperatures of up to 2,800° Fahrenheit. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025

This is effective, but only when there is a convenient flat ledge with a good view. —David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Beyond the ledges, route-finding becomes more challenging, making the scenic overlook a good turnaround point for a day hike. —Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025

The teen became stranded on Jan. 4 on a ledge on the eastern side of Lone Mountain, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department wrote in a Jan. 6 post on X, formerly known as Twitter. —Sara Schilling, Sacramento Bee, 7 Jan. 2025

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