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
Populist figures, already emboldened by a tidal wave of anti-establishment electoral sentiment, have found a congenial reception in Trump’s orbit.
—
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Thailand Image The arrival of the tidal wave at the Le Meridien hotel in Khao Lak, near Phuket.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
The gently babbling Ahr turned into a raging river—with floods, flash floods, and tidal waves resulting in widespread tragedy.
—Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2024
Games like this — 31 points, 8 of 17 from 3 — once felt like a tidal wave to opponents.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tidal wave 
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Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Thailand Image The arrival of the tidal wave at the Le Meridien hotel in Khao Lak, near Phuket.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
The gently babbling Ahr turned into a raging river—with floods, flash floods, and tidal waves resulting in widespread tragedy.
—Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2024
Games like this — 31 points, 8 of 17 from 3 — once felt like a tidal wave to opponents.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tidal wave
Dictionary Entries Near tidal wave
Cite this Entry
“Tidal wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal%20wave. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.
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