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

Then-President Joe Biden’s party lost nine seats and control of the House that year — not a political tidal wave as many pundits predicted, but a defeat nonetheless. —Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2026

After a tidal wave of blowback that culminated in a lawsuit, a nonprofit health system has reversed course in its plan to replace its Oregon emergency physicians with a national chain. —Tara Bannow, STAT, 6 May 2026

There wasn’t exactly a tidal wave of reaction to the news on social media months ago. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026

The case came before the justices after a tidal wave of litigation that included some multibillion-dollar verdicts against the global agrochemical manufacturer Bayer, which owns Roundup maker Monsanto. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 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