tidal wave

American  

noun

tidal waves plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• tidal waves
  plural

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

For one thing, they are permanent residents of the community — teachers, firefighters, police, and service workers at the hotels, restaurants and resorts that bring in a tidal wave of visitors every winter.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

After huge equity issuance in the years preceding, there was a tidal wave of IPO lock-up periods expiring that created a never-ending cascade of selling, Jones recalls.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

And so when that case doesn’t break through, we blame that person for their case not breaking through, as opposed to the larger tidal wave.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

“They’ve just had just a tidal wave of demand and appetite,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Everywhere we turned, the Rocky Mountains seemed to be staring at me, like a tidal wave about to crash into the city.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• tsunami