ledge

noun

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 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 species may be partially protected by their tendency to nest on cliff ledges or in tree snags that are the result of past burns and therefore less likely to burn again. Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025 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, 2 July 2025 Along the rocky ledges, other men chat and sunbathe, bicycles and shoes abandoned on the ground. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 29 June 2025 When a group of ducklings gathered on the ledge of the Westside Highway Bridge in New York City, onlookers held their breath to witness a courageous plunge into the water below. Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 18 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ledge. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ledge

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ledge

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