tidal wave

noun

1
a
: an unusually high sea wave that is triggered especially by an earthquake
b
: an unusual rise of water alongshore due to strong winds
2
: something overwhelming especially in quantity or volume
a tidal wave of tourists

Examples of tidal wave in a Sentence

a tidal wave of emotion
Recent Examples on the Web Lexus sales in Europe (the EU, EFTA and U.K.), in amongst a tidal wave of either negative results or anemic progress, are up nearly 30% at 47,500 in the first eight months of the year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Neil Winton, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Of course, who can forget the sight of Kristofferson twice comforting Sinéad O’Connor — and risking the wrath of outraged classic rock fans — when she was greeted with a tidal wave of boos at the Bob Dylan 30th anniversary concert in 1992? David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 Crutchfield added that tens of thousands of men have played in the NFL and, to date, there’s no tidal wave of Parkinson’s diagnoses among them. Randi Richardson, NBC News, 24 Sep. 2024 Xi’s party pumped tidal waves of state funds into markets, scrapped all initial public offerings, suspended trading in thousands of companies and let mainlanders pledge homes as collateral to buy shares. William Pesek, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tidal wave 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tidal wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of tidal wave was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near tidal wave

Cite this Entry

“Tidal wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal%20wave. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tidal wave

noun
1
: an unusually high sea wave that is triggered especially by an earthquake
2
: an unusual rise of water alongshore due to strong winds
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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