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

For one primary bedroom, Dai integrated a wooden ledge on the top of the headboard that contained pop-up outlets to allow the clients to charge devices without the usual mess of cords on the nightstand. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2025

In what appeared to be a protest, the man, who has not yet been identified by police, scaled Elizabeth Tower before stopping at a ledge located several yards above the ground and refusing to leave, according to reports from the Associated Press and the BBC. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025

Three prayer candles burned on a ledge near their front door. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025

The sedan also struck a light pole, knocking it down, and a rocky ledge, fire officials said. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 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