ledge

noun

ˈlej How to pronounce ledge (audio)
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 How to pronounce ledge (audio)
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
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.
The drift usually starts over a 40-foot ledge that quickly slopes down to about a 50-foot depth. — Bob Rocchetta As Told To Al Ristori, Outdoor Life, 28 Oct. 2026 Orioner There's also a fold-out claw that can hook on to handles and ledges, giving you yet another way to use your phone hands-free. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 For more coastal scenery, the six-mile Schoodic Loop Road winds past rocky shores and Schoodic Point, where Atlantic waves crash against granite ledges. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2026 The ledge is in the Ramsey Cliff area of Macon County, and volunteers from the Pisgah Climbing School pulled off the dangerous rescue after sunset on Monday. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ledge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English legge bar of a gate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ledge was in 1535

Rhymes for ledge

See All Rhymes for ledge

Browse Nearby Words

led farm
ledge
ledged
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Cite this Entry

“Ledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ledge. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ledge

noun
ˈlej How to pronounce ledge (audio)
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
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