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 Sinnott Overlook, located on a rock ledge behind the Rim Visitor Center, has an indoor exhibit room and open balcony for lake views. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026

The table’s ledge can also act as a table for drinks and snacks. —Marisa Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026

Videos of the incident shared online show the woman sitting with her legs hanging over a ledge, before a security officer approaches her from behind. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

The spa El Capricho Spa occupies its own cliff ledge, 6,000 square feet carved into volcanic rock with treatment rooms named after local flowers in Nahuatl—Citlaxochitl (poinsettia), Texochitl (stone flower). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

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