tidal wave meaning

tidal wave as a noun

1. an overwhelming manifestation of some emotion or phenomenon
   • a tidal wave of nausea
   • the flood of letters hit him with the force of a tidal wave
   • a tidal wave of crime

   Type of: manifestation

2. an unusual (and often destructive) rise of water along the seashore caused by a storm or a combination of wind and high tide

   Type of: wave, calamity

3. a wave resulting from the periodic flow of the tides that is caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun

   Type of: wave

How to pronounce tidal wave

tidal wave is pronounced /ˈtaɪdəl weɪv/ in British English and /ˈtaɪdəl weɪv/ in American English. It has 3 syllables.