ridge

1 of 2

noun

1
: an elevated body part or structure
2
a
: a range of hills or mountains
b
: an elongate elevation on an ocean bottom
3
: an elongate crest or a linear series of crests
4
: a raised strip (as of plowed ground)
5
: the line of intersection at the top between the opposite slopes or sides of a roof
ridged adjective

ridge

2 of 2

verb

ridged; ridging

transitive verb

: to form into a ridge

intransitive verb

: to extend in ridges

Examples of ridge in a Sentence

Noun We hiked along the ridge. the ridges on the sole of a boot the ridge of a roof
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic road that tops Appalachian Mountains ridges in Virginia and North Carolina. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2025 Young trees have smooth, grayish-green bark that becomes more gray and ridged as the tree matures. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rigge, from Old English hrycg; akin to Old High German hrukki ridge, back

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ridge was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ridge. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ridge

1 of 2 noun
: a raised or elevated part or area: as
a
: a range of hills or mountains
b
: the line made where two sloping surfaces come together
the ridge of a roof
ridged adjective

ridge

2 of 2 verb
ridged; ridging
: to form into or extend in ridges

Medical Definition

ridge

noun
: a raised or elevated part and especially a body part: as
a
: the projecting or elevated part of the back along the line of the backbone
b
: an elevated body part projecting from a surface

More from Merriam-Webster on ridge

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