sea change

American  

noun

1. a striking change, as in appearance, often for the better.

2. any major transformation or alteration.

3. a transformation brought about by the sea.

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sea change British  

noun

1. a seemingly magical change, as brought about by the action of the sea

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Etymology

Origin of sea change

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The Inspector General’s Office is now expected to undergo a sea change with the retirement of the only leader it has ever had.

From Los Angeles Times

Even beyond this “perfect storm,” though, Whipp sees a sea change afoot.

From Los Angeles Times

The new system would represent a sea change, allowing law enforcement to request enormous swaths of confidential data in bulk through an automated, computerized process.

From Salon

Sheridan’s dramas present patriarchal power as protective – a sea change from the Platinum Era prestige themes of power as corruptive.

From Salon

Beginning in the 1970s, a sea change in state and federal policy allowed large predators to make a comeback across California.

From Los Angeles Times