tidewater

American  

[tahyd-waw-ter, -wot-er] / ˈtaɪdˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒt ər /

noun

1. water affected by the flow and ebb of the tide.

2. the water covering tideland at flood tide.

3. seacoast.

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tidewater British  

/ ˈtaɪdˌwɔːtə /

noun

1. water that advances and recedes with the tide

2. water that covers land that is dry at low tide

3. 1. coastal land drained by tidal streams

   2. ( as modifier )

      tidewater regions

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tidewater Scientific  

/ tīd′wô′tər /

1. Water that inundates land at flood tide.

2. Water affected by the tides, especially tidal streams.

3. Low coastal land drained by tidal streams.

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Etymology

Origin of tidewater

First recorded in 1765–75; tide ¹ + water

Example Sentences

Many Antarctic glaciers are tidewater glaciers, meaning they sit on the ocean floor and extend into the sea, where they release icebergs.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

When a tidewater glacier thins enough, it can lift off the seabed and begin floating on the ocean surface.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

Organizers of the triathlon did not receive confirmation of the tidewater goby’s presence in the Zuma Beach underpass until late August.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2023

The roadway was not immediately cleared, and in time, the tidewater goby took up residence.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023

Mataoka lived in the central town of the Powhatan alliance, a small empire in tidewater Virginia; she was the daughter of Wahunsenacawh, the emperor.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• inlet
• waterway