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.
But this region in midwest Ireland, steeped in folklore, where the River Shannon meets the estuary’s tidal waters before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, is also the unlikely site of bustling production activity. — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 In most tidal waters, neither state limits how many blue catfish recreational anglers can keep. — Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 To mitigate flooding, Fort Lauderdale has raised miles of seawalls, installed tidal valves to prevent backflow, and is investing millions more in flood-prevention infrastructure. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 In the northern part of the state, minor flooding was expected through Saturday in low-lying areas along shorelines and tidal waterways during peak high tides, the weather service said. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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