bearing wall

or load-bearing wall

Wall that carries the load of floors and roof above in addition to its own weight. The traditional masonry bearing wall is thickened in proportion to the forces it has to resist: its own weight, the dead load of floors and roof, the live load of people, as well as the lateral forces of arches, vaults, and wind. Such walls may be much thicker toward the base, where maximum loads accumulate. Bearing walls may also be framed and sheathed or constructed of reinforced concrete.

Find more information on bearing wall. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on bearing wall.