ledge

[ lej ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, ledged, ledg·ing.

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

ledge

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈledgy, adjective

Other Words From

• ledgeless adjective
• un·ledged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ledge¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ledge¹

C14 legge, perhaps from leggen to lay ¹

Example Sentences

When she sits anywhere — on a couch or the ledge of a wooden stand for her dresses — she crosses her long legs with practiced perfection.

From Los Angeles Times

The women took cover on a ledge as it started snowing, sharing the only sleeping bag they had.

From BBC

In 2023, Josh Johnson found himself running toward a ledge, hoping that when he leaped he’d reach the other side safely instead of crashing down.

From Los Angeles Times

This ledge and leap were strictly metaphorical, a move he was making in his mind.

From Los Angeles Times

“I needed to change things up and try something scary, even knowing if I jump from this ledge I may not make it to the next level.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• berm
• ridge
• rim
• sill