retaining wall

American  

noun

1. a wall for holding in place a mass of earth or the like, as at the edge of a terrace or excavation.

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retaining wall British  

noun

1. Also called: revetment.  a wall constructed to hold back earth, loose rock, etc

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Etymology

Origin of retaining wall

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Smee thought about planting an oak tree instead but worried that a large tree might be too heavy for the retaining wall along the sidewalk, so he decided against it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The bridge at Kilrea closed in September after cracking was found in a retaining wall and reopened to cars and other light vehicles on 6 December after temporary repairs.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

They ran, some barefoot in the mud, up a steep hill beyond the property’s retaining wall.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2025

Sitting on a nearby retaining wall, Cranford said he would have accepted a motel room had someone offered one.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

Closer, within the boundaries of the balustrade, were the rose gardens and, nearer still, the Triton fountain, and standing by the basin’s retaining wall was her sister, and right before her was Robbie Turner.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan