Bearings are machine elements which are used to support a rotating member viz., a shaft. They transmit the load from a rotating member to a stationary member known as frame or housing. They permit relative motion of two members in one or two directions with minimum friction and also prevent the motion in the direction of the applied load. A plain bearing is any bearing that works by sliding action, with or without lubricant. This group encompasses essentially all types other than rolling-element bearings.

The sliding contact bearings in which the sliding action is along the circumference of a circle or an arc of a circle and carrying radial loads are known as a journal or sleeve bearings.