adjective
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relating to, characterized by, or affected by tides
a tidal estuary
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dependent on the state of the tide
a tidal ferry
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(of a glacier) reaching the sea and discharging floes or icebergs
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tidal
Explanation
Anything tidal is related to the regular rise and fall of the sea level due to gravitational forces. A marine biologist might study the effects of tidal patterns on local sea life. Tidal conditions are caused by many things, from the rotation of the Earth to the position of the Moon, and tidal effects can be seen not just in the ocean tide itself, but in rivers, lakes, and currents, and even on the Earth's surface. A common name for a tsunami is a "tidal wave," although these earthquake-caused surges of ocean water don't actually have any connection to tides.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This isn't just about efficiency," he told shareholders last month, as he announced that his company, which operates platforms like CashApp, Square and Tidal, would be shedding almost half its workforce.
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026
The defining music platforms of the streaming era are owned by large tech companies—Spotify, Apple, Amazon—while smaller entities like Qobuz, Tidal and Deezer cater to niches based on audio quality and other small distinctions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025
The Tidal Basin is a 107-acre manmade reservoir bordering the Jefferson Memorial that is home to the highest concentration of cherry blossom trees.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024
Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal users can pre-save “Cowboy Carter” via Beyoncé’s website.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024
If a ban were on the way, they’d hear shouts from all sides: “Ban! Ban! Tidal bore coming! Run for higher ground!”
From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
