high tide

American  

noun

1. the tide at its highest level of elevation.

2. the time of high water.

3. a culminating point.

   the high tide of the revolution.

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high tide British  

noun

1. 1. the tide at its highest level

   2. the time at which it reaches this

2. a culminating point

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high tide Scientific  

1. The tide when it is at its highest level at a particular time and place. The highest tides reached under normal meteorological conditions (the spring tides) take place when the Moon and Sun are directly aligned with respect to Earth. High tides are less extreme (the neap tides) when the Moon and Sun are at right angles. Storms and other meteorological conditions can greatly affect the height of the tides as well.

2. See more at tide

3. The time at which a high tide occurs.

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Etymology

Origin of high tide

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Compare meaning

How does high-tide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• high tide vs. low tide

Example Sentences

This type of terrain can allow seawater to move beneath the glacier during high tide, temporarily lifting sections of ice off the ground.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

He then struggles to cross the waters between the two islands at high tide.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

During high tide it can be accessed by boat, but during low tide a short walk is required across tidal sands to the mainland.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Though the massive waves can present dangers for seaside visitors, king tides provide insightful data into what the regular high tide will look like in years to come as sea levels continue to rise.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

My head fills with thoughts like a tide pool just before high tide.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Related Words

• high water