ledge

American  

[lej] / lɛdʒ /

noun

1. a relatively narrow, projecting part, as a horizontal, shelflike projection on a wall or a raised edge on a tray.

2. a more or less flat shelf of rock protruding from a cliff or slope.

3. a reef, ridge, or line of rocks in the sea or other body of water.

4. Mining.

   1. a layer or mass of rock underground.

   2. a lode or vein.

5. Carpentry. a member similar to but larger than a cleat.

6. Shipbuilding. a minor transverse deck beam running between regular deck beams to form part of a coaming.

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verb (used with object)

ledged, ledging

1. to assemble (a door or the like) with ledges.

ledge British  

/ lɛdʒ /

noun

1. a narrow horizontal surface resembling a shelf and projecting from a wall, window, etc

2. a layer of rock that contains an ore; vein

3. a ridge of rock that lies beneath the surface of the sea

4. a narrow shelflike rock projection on a cliff or mountain

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Other Word Forms

• ledgeless
  adjective
• ledgy
  adjective
• unledged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ledge

1300–50; Middle English legge, perhaps derivative of leggen to lay ¹; compare Middle High German legge layer, edge, Old English lecg part of a weapon

Explanation

A ledge is a flat, narrow surface or shelf. As you climb a steep mountain, you might find a flat spot sticking out from the cliff — that's an example of a ledge. The word ledge comes from the Old English lædge, which means "a shelf or projection." A ledge can appear in many places, from natural rock formations to man-made structures like buildings and bridges. Windows usually have ledges, and people may display artwork and knickknacks on wall ledges in their homes. Underwater ledges may be formed by reefs or a line of submerged rocks.

Example Sentences

Ledge Halo Firepit – Firepits are even better when it’s cold outside, and the Ledge Halo Firepit will keep you and all your friends on your patio.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

On a recent night hike, Washington guidebook author Tami Asars encountered two “borderline hypothermic, teary-eyed hikers, in Converse shoes and head-to-toe cotton” stranded on iced-over Rattlesnake Ledge.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024

In Salem, the place where all the executions took place is called Proctor’s Ledge.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2022

Her body was found 11 days later in undergrowth between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2022

Rocks and Rising States Ledge and the shoals of Eagle Island on the south; on the north, Bowditch Ledge.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

• berm
• ridge
• rim
• sill