tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtī-dᵊl 

1

a

: of, relating to, caused by, or having tides

tidal cycles

tidal erosion

b

: periodically rising and falling or flowing and ebbing

tidal waters

2

: dependent (as to the time of arrival or departure) upon the state of the tide

a tidal steamer

tidally

ˈtī-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of tidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers visited a tidal flat along the Kuantan River in September 2023. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025

Jackson Hole has previously been the site of tidal changes in monetary policy, with spectators widely expecting Chair Jerome Powell to keep up the tradition at the end of the week. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025

Probably shouldn’t be viewed as some consequential tidal shift in market character, more a way for a months-long rally to support itself by changing up the muscle groups being flexed. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, at low tide, the beach widens—revealing tidal pools where children hunt for tiny crabs and sea glass. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tidal

• tidal wave

Rhymes for tidal

• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idol
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• widal
• apsidal
• subtidal
• fratricidal
• fungicidal

Kids Definition

tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl 

: of or relating to tides : rising and falling or flowing and ebbing at regular times

Medical Definition

tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or constituting tidal air

interference with the normal tidal exchange of the lungs

—F. R. Mautz & R. M. Hosler