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 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.
Some gather in dense flocks during migration and non-breeding season, feeding on tiny organisms that abound on tidal flats. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Operators like Flipper Finders run morning, afternoon, and sunset tours that explore tidal creeks, salt marshes, and open waterways, often stopping at historic Morris Island to hunt for seashells, fossils, and sand dollars. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 Nearby, the Charlestown Breachway draws anglers, boaters, and campers, with tidal waters that connect Ninigret Pond lagoon to the Atlantic and a small state campground right on the shore. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025 The immense gravity of these black holes causes tidal forces in this material that generate intense friction, heating gas and dust in the disk to temperatures as great as millions of degrees. Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Tidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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 lungsF. R. Mautz & R. M. Hosler

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