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

The documentary also presents a new analysis of tidal patterns in the San Francisco Bay, which may dispute the prosecution’s theories about where Laci’s body was dumped. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

The marine unit has been operating in area with strong tidal currents and wind and weather challenges, San Franciso Police Department said. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 July 2026

These higher tidal levels will become the new normal and high tide flooding will become increasingly common. — CBS News, 12 July 2026

While most tidal effects were easily canceled out with the combination of data from the two satellites, one lunisolar tide called K1 brought uncertainty into the equation. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 8 July 2026

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
• bactericidal
• insecticidal

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