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 specimen was first uncovered by a retired chicken farmer, who had sourced rocks from a nearby quarry to build a garden retaining wall.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

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

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

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

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge