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

Monsanto has faced a tidal wave of litigation in recent years over its Roundup product. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 June 2026

With a population of over 200 million, any news story generates a tidal wave of jokes, many of them very sharp. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 25 June 2026

The Sloane Club is trying to ride the tidal wave of money and interest flowing toward members-only clubs — businesses charging hefty annual fees for access to exclusive plush bars, restaurants and other amenities. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 20 June 2026

Given reports of rampant hacking in crypto, BitGo’s small innovation has attracted a tidal wave of business over the last decade as more and more institutions have taken an interest in digital assets. — Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 18 June 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