tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtī-dᵊl How to pronounce tidal (audio)
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 How to pronounce tidal (audio)
adverb

Examples of tidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This constant tidal flexing generates enormous amounts of internal heat, fueling hundreds of active volcanoes and making Io the most volcanically active object in the solar system. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026 Afternoon high tides along the Florida Panhandle coast were up to a foot above high tides measured on July 20, including at Panama City Beach and Apalachicola, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tidal gauge information. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 July 2026 While Old Petty has shorter stretches along the water, the routing brings players through gently rolling terrain along a tidal estuary with sweeping coastline views. — Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 The documentary also presents a new analysis of tidal patterns in the San Francisco Bay, which may dispute the prosecution’s theories about where Laci’s body was dumped. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tidal

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tidal was in 1807

Phrases Containing tidal

Rhymes for tidal

See All Rhymes for tidal

Browse Nearby Words

tid
tidal
tidal amplitude
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Cite this Entry

“Tidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tidal

adjective
tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl How to pronounce tidal (audio)
: of or relating to tides : rising and falling or flowing and ebbing at regular times

Medical Definition

tidal

adjective
tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl How to pronounce tidal (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting tidal air
interference with the normal tidal exchange of the lungs—F. R. Mautz & R. M. Hosler

More from Merriam-Webster on tidal

Nglish: Translation of tidal for Spanish Speakers

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