tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtī-dᵊl 

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 

adverb

Examples of tidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who want to bring their furry friends along, head to Bonita Beach Dog Park, a dog-friendly, off-leash tidal flat where pups can roam freely and frolic in the shallow waters. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026

As a coastal peninsula, Wilmington is bordered by the Cape Fear River and separated from the ocean by barrier islands, tidal marshes, and sounds. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026

Unfortunately for Portland, that was not enough to withstand the tidal-wave run the Spurs went on starting in the middle of the third quarter. —Christian Clark, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Much of the work focused on mitigating tidal and storm-related flooding, including improvements to the foundation and surrounding infrastructure. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tidal

• tidal wave

Rhymes for tidal

• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idol
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• widal
• apsidal
• subtidal
• fratricidal
• fungicidal

Kids Definition

tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl 

: of or relating to tides : rising and falling or flowing and ebbing at regular times

Medical Definition

tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or constituting tidal air

interference with the normal tidal exchange of the lungs

—F. R. Mautz & R. M. Hosler