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

Because of a delay with their retaining wall, they ended up planting the garden in July 2021, which is usually the hardest time of year to start a new garden.

From Los Angeles Times

They spotted some hose dangling over a retaining wall covered in ivy.

From Los Angeles Times

He motioned toward one of the retaining walls just outside the school, where a few other students had parked in spite of the cold.

From Literature

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