tidal wave

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tidal wave¹

First recorded in 1820–30

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.

Example Sentences

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc with so many lives and livelihoods over the past 12 months that it would be foolhardy to suggest the shuttering of a musical is anything but a single bad ripple in a tidal wave of misfortune.

From Washington Post

Parents, in particular, are constantly battling the tidal wave of kids’ clothes, toys and now schoolwork and supplies that threatens to take over every surface and room.

From Washington Post

'A tidal wave of need'Since the pandemic, school districts and states have tried to beef up resources for young people in myriad ways — though nowhere do officials say what they are doing is enough.

From Washington Post

The finding is adding to concerns about the stability of a financial sector that already is facing a potential tidal wave of $99 billion in bad debt due to the pandemic.

From Fortune

If the conditions are right, heat from the gushing tidal waves could exceed heat from Jupiter.

From Science News

In "Pamela 1" Louie wades deeper into the gender pool, doubtlessly inviting a tidal wave of backlash.

From The Daily Beast

Tempest, hurricane, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, or Big Bang?

From The Daily Beast

But the public indignation that was slow to rise at first is now coming on like a tidal wave.

From The Daily Beast

In the primaries, Jeb Bush just might be drowned in a tidal wave of tea.

From The Daily Beast

But this tidal wave of systematic brutality has resulted in only 30 convictions.

From The Daily Beast

A tidal wave rolls landward, and twenty thousand human beings are drowned, or crushed to death.

From Project Gutenberg

Each time the tidal wave sweeps in toward the shore it urges the finer particles of sediment along with it.

From Project Gutenberg

The mighty conflict of ideas had swept round the globe like a tidal wave of the ocean.

From Project Gutenberg

"It must be the tidal wave that Phyllis spoke about," thought Patty.

From Project Gutenberg

The huge tidal wave that swept McKenzie and his men to their graves in the chilly depths of the Atlantic did more than that.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• tsunami