tidal wave

American  

noun

1. (not in technical use) a large, destructive ocean wave, produced by a seaquake, hurricane, or strong wind.

2. either of the two great wavelike swellings of the ocean surface that move around the earth on opposite sides and give rise to tide, caused by the attraction of the moon and sun.

3. any widespread or powerful movement, opinion, or tendency.

   a tidal wave of public indignation.

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tidal wave British  

noun

1. a name (not accepted in technical usage) for tsunami

2. an unusually large incoming wave, often caused by high winds and spring tides

3. a forceful and widespread movement in public opinion, action, etc

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tidal wave Scientific  

1. Either of the two swells or crests of surface ocean water created by the gravitational effects of the Moon and Sun and circling the globe on opposite sides to create the daily periods of high and low tides.

2. Also called tidal bulge

3. An unusual rise in the level of water along a seacoast, as from a storm or a combination of wind and tide.

4. Also called storm surge

5. A tsunami.

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Usage

The term tidal wave is used in everyday speech to refer to a gigantic and enormously destructive wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption—what scientists would properly call a tsunami. When scientists use the word tidal wave, they normally are referring to an unusually large wave or bulge of water that sometimes occurs around a high tide. These tidal waves are certainly big and powerful, but they are tiny in comparison with tsunamis.

Etymology

Origin of tidal wave

First recorded in 1820–30

Compare meaning

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

• tidal wave vs. tsunami

Example Sentences

That demographic tidal wave is giving rise to what many analysts call the “silver economy”—and it may be one of the few durable growth engines for consumption in China today.

From Barron's

“It’s like the beginning of a tidal wave,” said Peggy Wheeler, vice president of policy of the California Hospital Association.

From Los Angeles Times

In its effort to protect its members from a tidal wave of sports-event contracts, the AGA’s stance is that prediction-market companies are simply trying to avoid state regulation.

From MarketWatch

“I had a sad and uneasy feeling that we were somehow being swept apart by a huge tidal wave over which we had no control,” mourns Decca.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as the internet took over you were unable to adapt his entertainment conglomerate to the digital tidal wave.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• tsunami