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

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

Asked whether the Palisades should be spared from permit fees for grading, pools or retaining walls, she responded: “I can’t say that,” calling such details “minutiae.”

From Los Angeles Times

The fragmented forecourt echoes the building around it, with skewed paving patterns, angled retaining walls and unpredictable sight lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Mass evacuations were ordered amid fears a key retaining wall could collapse, sending floodwaters rushing into communities below — a tragedy that was ultimately averted.

From Los Angeles Times

The spending approved Thursday covers the rebuilt roadways, new bridges and retaining walls, drainage and utility work, landscaping, lighting, and wayfinding systems.

From Los Angeles Times