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

One of his hens, Esther, does an impressive high jump onto a ledge. —Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025

Unedited images beyond any horror movie ran in a continuous stream, showing mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers standing on the ledges, making the unfathomable decision to jump from the burning buildings. —Dara Riordan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Inspectors discovered dozens of rodent droppings throughout the restaurant, including 10 on a ledge next to the prep fridge, 10 inside a bin filled with lids and utensils and 15 in a bowl with food containers. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025

Add a Shelf For a clean, intentional effect, Soto recommends halting the tile at mid-height with a ledge or floating shelf. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 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