ledges

IPA/lˈɛdʒɪz/
KK[lˈɛdʒɪz]IPA/lˈɛdʒɪz/

ledges — noun

1. Narrow flat edges that project from a wall, window, cliff, or another upright su

1.nounB2
Definition

Narrow flat edges that project from a wall, window, cliff, or another upright surface.

Example

Lauren set the flowerpots on the stone ledges outside the cafe window.

collocation: on the ledges

Felix edged along the narrow ledges beside the old fort wall.

Common collocations
  • window ledges
  • stone ledges
  • narrow ledges
  • stand on the ledges
Synonyms
  • shelf

    broader and more often used for storage surfaces in furniture or on walls

  • sill

    only the bottom edge of a window or doorway, so it is much narrower in use

  • projection

    a formal general term for any part that sticks out, not always flat enough to hold something

Grammar Patterns

the ledges

on the ledges

Usage Note

Often used for narrow places where an object can rest or a person can stand briefly, especially with window, wall, cliff, or rock. Distinguish from noun/2, which is specifically about natural rocky formations on mountains or under water.

Common Mistakes

The cat sat on the window border all afternoon.
The cat sat on the window ledge all afternoon.
border means the outer edge, not a flat surface wide enough to sit on.
She put the mug on the cliff shelf beside her.
She put the mug on the cliff ledge beside her.
ledge is the usual word for a narrow projecting edge on rock.

2. Strips of rock that jut out from a mountain side or lie under shallow water near

2.nounC1
Definition

Strips of rock that jut out from a mountain side or lie under shallow water near the shore.

Example

Divers avoided the sharp ledges hidden a few metres below the beach.

underwater ledges near shore

Arjun climbed over wet ledges on the trail above the river.

Common collocations
  • rock ledges
  • underwater ledges
  • rocky ledges
  • camp below the ledges
Synonyms
  • ridge

    a longer raised line of rock or earth, often less shelf-like and less flat

  • reef

    an undersea rock formation, usually at or near the water surface rather than on land

  • outcrop

    rock that appears above the ground surface, not always forming a narrow shelf

Grammar Patterns

rock ledges

underwater ledges

Usage Note

Usually used in climbing, hiking, diving, or coastal descriptions for natural rock formations. Distinguish from noun/1, which can describe man-made projecting edges such as window or wall ledges.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Ledge, shelf, sill, and rim can all describe an edge or supporting part, but they are used in different situations. A ledge is a narrow flat projection on a wall, window, cliff, or similar surface, and it often has room for a person or object to rest on it. A shelf is broader and is mainly for storage inside furniture or on a wall. A sill is the lower horizontal part of a window or doorway, so it is a special kind of ledge. A rim is the raised outer edge of something circular, such as a cup or bowl, and it is usually not flat enough to stand on. You can put a plant on a window ledge, books on a shelf, or your hand on the rim of a glass.

ledge ↗shelf ↗sill ↗rim ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • window ledges
  • rock ledges
  • underwater ledges

Prepositions

  • on the ledges
  • along the ledges
  • below the ledges

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

The noun ledge has been in English since Middle English. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it appears to be connected with older Germanic words for something that lies or projects outward. The meaning has stayed close to that concrete image: a narrow surface that sticks out far enough to hold a person or object. English later extended the word to natural shelves or ridges of rock on cliffs and below water.