tidal wave

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.

tidal wave

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

tidal wave

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tidal wave¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

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.

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“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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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Before coming into range, however, the whales vanished beneath the surface, and their towering tidal wave continued on without them.

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Advocates warned of a tidal wave of need as home pantries and CalFresh cards run empty — which they said is no longer a risk but a certainty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• tsunami