'load-bearing' originates from the combination of 'load' and 'bearing', where 'load' meant 'a weight or burden' and 'bearing' meant 'carrying or supporting'.

'Load-bearing' evolved from the Old English word 'beran', meaning 'to carry', combined with 'load', which has been used since Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'carrying a weight', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'capable of supporting weight, especially in construction'.