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

In the magical spring of ’23, the Blue Arrow put up at least 20 points 13 times during the Nuggets’ 20-game tidal wave of a title run. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 May 2025

Ever since De Bruyne announced his departure from City at the start of April, there has been a tidal wave of plaudits and tributes. —Sam Lee, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Gmail users face a new tidal wave of warnings as a dangerous new account threat makes headlines again. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

She's Known for Decades Is Her Sister (Exclusive) Cheyenne, who filmed the now-viral TikTok, witnessed firsthand the tidal wave of emotions that washed over Moises. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 8 May 2025

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