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

The massive amounts of debris that impact created then crashed back to the lunar surface, creating a tidal wave 11 times taller than Mount Everest and then sloshing around for two hours to form the outer two of the basin’s three concentric rims. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026

Roach’s wedding reveal in March prompted a tidal wave of attention on Zendaya and Holland. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026

If the ripple from the show’s previous success is any guide, Saint-Tropez may soon see a tidal wave of set-jetters. —Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Precedent for tidal wave of cases The significant effects of two verdicts are about evidence and precedent. —Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 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