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

This week’s tidal wave election is both an embrace of Democrats and a firm, widespread rejection of Trumpism and MAGA. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026

Following two years of anti-climate legislation from Washington, Tuesday’s blue tidal wave—giving Democrats control of both the Senate and the House—could provide an opportunity to change course. — Simmone Shah, Time, 4 Nov. 2026

Election officials can’t suddenly hire thousands of workers and open tons of space to count the tidal wave of votes. — Valerie Morishige, Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

Some teams allow the blitzes to happen, and the Vikings arrive at the quarterback like a tidal wave. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for tidal wave

• aftershave
• architrave
• autoclave
• microwave
• misbehave
• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave

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