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 helicopter left to get another crew member and prepare to hoist the hikers up from the ledge. —Ray Sanchez, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

Infrared footage posted to Utah Highway Patrol’s Instagram shows the pair waving at a rescue helicopter from the ledge in Snow Canyon State Park with what looks like a tarp or blanket draped over them, the video posted Feb. 19 shows. —Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2025

His office was filled with foot-high stacks of paper on his desk and every other horizontal surface, even the window ledges. —Roger Dooley, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

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