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.
They said water agencies have committed under the agreements to carry out restoration work on about 20,000 acres of floodplain habitat as well as more than 5,000 acres of tidal wetlands.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
One area of concern is on Highway 1 in Ventura County near Point Mugu, where water got underneath the roadway and weakened it, which “makes it more susceptible to additional tidal events,” Hall said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 24, 2026
The size of the Swimmer Turbine is what sets it apart from large tidal projects dotted around Scottish waters.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
Mummery took it through months of testing last year on the island of Islay - famous for its many whisky distilleries and coastal waters that are perfect for tidal power.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
The enthusiasm Olmsted had identified during his travels, though still far from constituting a tidal wave, at last seemed to begin propelling visitors to Jackson Park.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
