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.
Earth’s oceanic tidal bulge is not directly in line with the Moon and is slightly ahead of the Moon. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 Near coastlines, tidal currents are impacted by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 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 On top of those conditions, the pool was refilled with water from the nutrient-rich tidal basin of the Potomac River. — Eric Palkovacs, The Conversation, 25 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal. Accessed 7 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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