tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtī-dᵊl 

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

tidally

ˈtī-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of tidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Visitors can experience Botany Bay’s gorgeous natural ecosystems that include maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, and hammock islands. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026

The expert testified that tidal conditions on the day of the 2022 crash differed significantly from the conditions present during the state's subsequent re-enactment of the incident. —Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 17 June 2026

However, the material that swirls around the black hole can heat up and glow due to friction and tidal forces, emitting radio waves and X-rays. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

Near coastlines, tidal currents are impacted by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tidal

• tidal wave

Rhymes for tidal

• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idol
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• widal
• apsidal
• subtidal
• bactericidal
• insecticidal

Kids 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