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.
Authorities used a drone to locate him on a roughly 20-by-20-inch ledge about 260 feet up the mountain. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 According to Northwest Exterminating, pigeons are especially partial to nesting on your roof, chimneys, window sills, ledges, or under the eaves of your house. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026 Using a rope system, Roper secured the climber and helped them off the narrow 20-by-20-inch ledge. — CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 Video captured a woman leaping from an 11th-floor ledge into a firefighter’s arms to escape a high-rise fire. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 17 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ledge. Accessed 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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