1
a
: of, relating to, caused by, or having tides
tidal cycles
tidal erosion
b
: periodically rising and falling or flowing and ebbing
tidal waters
2
: dependent (as to the time of arrival or departure) upon the state of the tide
a tidal steamer
Examples of tidal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Europa is a prime target for exploring planetary habitability, thanks to Jupiter’s tidal heating processes that keep Europa balmy enough to potentially harbor life.
—
Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024
Along the sides, every few hundred feet along the causeway, additional pontoons were attached to form piers, so multiple vessels could dock at the same time, regardless of tidal conditions.
—Frank A. Blazich Jr., The Conversation, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for tidal 
Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024
Along the sides, every few hundred feet along the causeway, additional pontoons were attached to form piers, so multiple vessels could dock at the same time, regardless of tidal conditions.
—Frank A. Blazich Jr., The Conversation, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for tidal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tidal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tidal
Cite this Entry
“Tidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tidal
adjective
tid·al
ˈtīd-ᵊl 
: of or relating to tides : rising and falling or flowing and ebbing at regular times
Medical Definition
tidal
adjective
tid·al
ˈtīd-ᵊl
: of, relating to, or constituting tidal air
interference with the normal tidal exchange of the lungs—F. R. Mautz & R. M. Hosler
F. R. Mautz & R. M. HoslerLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share