tidal wave
Americannoun
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tidal waves
plural
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(not in technical use) a large, destructive ocean wave, produced by a seaquake, hurricane, or strong wind.
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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.
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any widespread or powerful movement, opinion, or tendency.
a tidal wave of public indignation.
noun
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a name (not accepted in technical usage) for tsunami
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an unusually large incoming wave, often caused by high winds and spring tides
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a forceful and widespread movement in public opinion, action, etc
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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.
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Also called tidal bulge
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An unusual rise in the level of water along a seacoast, as from a storm or a combination of wind and tide.
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Also called storm surge
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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.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Analysts and investors have been awaiting a tidal wave of mergers among banks and other financial services companies, as executives look to take advantage of a batch of more deal-friendly regulators.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 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
He was repeatedly heckled in public, arriving at a memorial to a tidal wave of boos and cries of "You're not welcome".
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2026
Still, for every “Children of Men” there are a dozen “Minions” knockoffs, for every “To Pimp a Butterfly” a tidal wave of brain rot.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2025
On Monday, when the school bus pulls up in front of Harrison Middle School, I pray that the first day of school has been canceled because of an earthquake, tidal wave, or avalanche.
From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
