ledge
noun
ˈlej 
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
adjective 
Example Sentences
birds perched on the ledge of a building a ledge on the side of the mountain
Recent Examples on the Web Saturday, Fish and Game was notified of a hiker who had slipped and fallen off a ledge while hiking down the mountain with two other people, Fish and Game said in a statement on Monday. 
BostonGlobe.com, 24 Aug. 2022 A few hours later, on the par-3 No. 18, Chugg’s ball landed softly enough to stay on the ledge instead of trickling down the steep slope in front of the green, much to her relief. The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Aug. 2022 Once the entire staircase is assembled, one partner climbs to the top to balance on a ledge while holding a rod across his/her back. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 July 2022 The 4-year-old cocker spaniel-poodle mix named Leo visiting the Miners Castle landmark with his Wisconsin family was found on a ledge, moving and limping around on Friday, according to a Saturday news release. Emma Tucker, CNN, 10 July 2022 And then being given that opportunity early on to come on with the Broncos, stepping out on a ledge and again, changing my career path. Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 Other witnesses say Wilkins had approached the railing and thrown her leg over it, intentionally throwing herself off the ledge. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 10 Aug. 2022 About 800 feet farther down the North Country Trail, however, is the main waterfall, a 25-foot cascade that drops cleanly over a steep ledge in the rock. Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2021 Celentano can be seen pushing the officer over the ledge, investigators said. Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2022 See More
BostonGlobe.com, 24 Aug. 2022 A few hours later, on the par-3 No. 18, Chugg’s ball landed softly enough to stay on the ledge instead of trickling down the steep slope in front of the green, much to her relief. The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Aug. 2022 Once the entire staircase is assembled, one partner climbs to the top to balance on a ledge while holding a rod across his/her back. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 July 2022 The 4-year-old cocker spaniel-poodle mix named Leo visiting the Miners Castle landmark with his Wisconsin family was found on a ledge, moving and limping around on Friday, according to a Saturday news release. Emma Tucker, CNN, 10 July 2022 And then being given that opportunity early on to come on with the Broncos, stepping out on a ledge and again, changing my career path. Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 Other witnesses say Wilkins had approached the railing and thrown her leg over it, intentionally throwing herself off the ledge. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 10 Aug. 2022 About 800 feet farther down the North Country Trail, however, is the main waterfall, a 25-foot cascade that drops cleanly over a steep ledge in the rock. Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2021 Celentano can be seen pushing the officer over the ledge, investigators said. Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English legge bar of a gate
First Known Use
1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
ledge
noun
ˈlej
1
: a piece projecting from a top or an edge like a shelf
a window ledge
2
: a flat surface that sticks out from a wall of rock