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

See Examples For:

retaining wall

A fossil dating back 240 million years has finally been formally identified after spending decades hidden inside a retaining wall.

From Science Daily ● May 6, 2026

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 ● Dec. 5, 2025

The bridge was closed on 20 September after extensive cracking was discovered in a retaining wall creating "an unacceptable risk to public safety", the DfI said.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2025

Between the caissons, the seawall and retaining wall, the crew estimated it would cost $2 million to $3 million to install the foundation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2025

I sat on the retaining wall and watched her walk away.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge