spring tide

American  

noun

1. the large rise and fall of the tide at or soon after the new or the full moon.

2. any great flood or swelling rush.

   a spring tide of compliments.

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spring tide British  

noun

1. either of the two tides that occur at or just after new moon and full moon when the tide-generating force of the sun acts in the same direction as that of the moon, reinforcing it and causing the greatest rise and fall in tidal level. The highest spring tides ( equinoctial springs ) occur at the equinoxes Compare neap tide

2. any great rush or flood

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spring tide Scientific  

1. A tide in which the difference between high and low tide is the greatest. Spring tides occur when the Moon is either new or full, and the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are aligned. When this is the case, their collective gravitational pull on the Earth's water is strengthened.

2. Compare neap tide See more at tide

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Etymology

Origin of spring tide

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

During the highest spring tide, a water layer between 5 and 10 centimeters thick flowed as far as 12 kilometers inland.

From Science Magazine • May 19, 2024

When the new or full moon coincides with or is close to perigee, usually six to eight times a year, the result is a perigean spring tide, or what is popularly called a king tide.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2024

That's what you get: A spring tide flooding event.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023

"It was a very low spring tide, which might explain why it was in a rock pool," she said.

From BBC • May 15, 2023

The river with its spring tide racing seaward reflected the color with dashes of green and gray.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan