Lateral loads are live loads that are applied parallel to the ground; that is, they are horizontal forces acting on a structure. They are different to gravity loads for example which are vertical, downward forces. The most common types are: Wind load.

In beam loading problems lateral refers to the part of the load that is not directed along the length (i.e. axis) of the beam while, axial refers to the load which is directed along the axis of the beam. The lateral load can be horizontal, vertical, or somewhere in-between.