tidal

[ tahyd-l ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or subject to tides: tide:

   a tidal current.

2. dependent on the state of the tide as to time of departure:

   a tidal steamer.

tidal

/ ˈtaɪdəl /

adjective

1. relating to, characterized by, or affected by tides

   a tidal estuary

2. dependent on the state of the tide

   a tidal ferry

3. (of a glacier) reaching the sea and discharging floes or icebergs

Derived Forms

• ˈtidally, adverb

Other Words From

• tidal·ly adverb
• non·tidal adjective
• un·tidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tidal¹

First recorded in 1800–10; tide ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The California Coastal Commission is asking the public to photograph high tidal waters for its King Tides Project, a community-led effort to help the public understand the effect of rising sea levels on coastal areas.

From Los Angeles Times

This election was an emotional tidal wave, one that's engulfed the whole world in the wake of the pandemic, the trauma of which we clearly have yet to fully process.

From Salon

Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure said temporary tidal flood defences were being deployed along the River Lagan at high-risk areas such as Lockview Road and Cutters Warf in south Belfast.

From BBC

You’ll see egrets and herons in the tidal wetlands of the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge and perhaps even snowy plovers nestling in the dunes or pecking for insects in the wet sand.

From Los Angeles Times

The proliferation of at-home DNA tests has ushered in a tidal wave of skeletons shaken from closets, while generational shifts — and rising secularism — have made things that were once life-ruiningly shameful exponentially less taboo.

From Salon

Related Words

• falling
• rolling
• running
• sinuous
• streaming