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.
Best barrister bookcases With four covered shelves for books and one top ledge for trinkets, frame photos or other decorative items, this is a versatile piece. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue said that the climber came to a rest on a narrow ledge and was at risk for a secondary fall. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 On a summer afternoon in 1971, college students Joyce LePage and Loretta Salvadalena sat together at the ledge of a community pool. — Yana Johnson, NBC news, 29 July 2026 Shortly after, Adrianne falls back into the water from the ledge where the group had stopped. — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 29 July 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 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ledge

Nglish: Translation of ledge for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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