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

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

Participants can snap a picture around high tide and upload it onto a tide map, which can later be used by government agencies for research and planning.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

However, we couldn't get out until after the next high tide when only sections of the tentacles could be found.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

It tugged the floating carton toward the ocean, which, at high tide, had crawled across the beach and was making the far side of Atlantic Avenue foamy with surf.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• high water