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

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

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

Ms Johnson explained the water hit her smallholding "like a tidal wave" after the area was hit by bad weather in the past week.

From BBC

Bernthal: When she put that wig on, she became like a volcano with a tidal wave attached to it.

From Los Angeles Times

And while this is about a whole lot more than a tidal wave of social media posts, it's yet more evidence of the way the online world can inflame pre-existing tensions in the real world.

From BBC

Related Words

• tsunami