retaining wall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Technical/Formal in construction/engineering contexts; can be used metaphorically in general writing.
Quick answer
What does “retaining wall” mean?
A wall built to hold back earth or water, preventing it from moving or eroding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wall built to hold back earth or water, preventing it from moving or eroding.
In metaphorical use, any structure, system, or principle that serves to contain, control, or resist pressure from a force or change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Potential minor differences in technical building regulations/standards referenced.
Connotations
Identical core meaning. Metaphorical use slightly more common in American political/journalistic discourse ('a retaining wall against radical ideas').
Frequency
Comparable frequency in technical domains. Slightly higher metaphorical frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “retaining wall” in a Sentence
The [MATERIAL] retaining wall [VERB] the [SUBSTANCE]A retaining wall for [PURPOSE]A retaining wall against [PRESSURE/SOURCE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retaining wall” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council stipulated they must properly retain the earth bank, leading to the construction of a new retaining wall.
- The architect's plans show how to retain the slope with a gabion wall.
American English
- The contractor will retain the hillside with a poured concrete wall.
- The new development is required to retain all existing runoff on the property.
adjective
British English
- The retaining-wall construction must adhere to BS 8002.
- We need a specialist retaining-wall contractor.
American English
- The retaining-wall design needs to meet local seismic codes.
- They're having retaining-wall issues after the heavy rains.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible metaphorical use: 'The new policy acted as a retaining wall against financial volatility.'
Academic
Common in engineering, geology, civil engineering, and landscape architecture papers.
Everyday
Used by homeowners discussing landscaping, gardening, or property issues.
Technical
Precise term in civil/geotechnical engineering for a structure designed to resist lateral earth pressure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retaining wall”
- Using 'sustaining wall' (incorrect). Confusing with 'partition wall' (non-structural divider). Omitting the '-ing' (a 'retain wall' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While concrete is common, retaining walls can also be built from stone, brick, timber, or even specially designed blocks and geogrids.
A garden wall is primarily for demarcation or decoration. A retaining wall has a structural engineering purpose: to hold back soil or water. A garden wall may become a retaining wall if it later has earth banked against one side.
Yes. It can describe any person, policy, or institution that holds back or contains a powerful force, trend, or change (e.g., 'The constitution serves as a retaining wall against tyranny').
This depends entirely on local building regulations, the wall's height, location, and purpose. Always check with your local authority. In many places, walls over 1 metre high near a highway or boundary require permission.
A wall built to hold back earth or water, preventing it from moving or eroding.
Retaining wall is usually technical/formal in construction/engineering contexts; can be used metaphorically in general writing. in register.
Retaining wall: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈteɪnɪŋ wɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈteɪnɪŋ wɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The last retaining wall (metaphor for final defense against something undesirable)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RETAINing something you want to keep IN place. A RETAINING wall RETAINS the earth.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS CONTROL / RESISTANCE IS A BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a retaining wall?