Meaning & use
a tidal wave
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
a very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption; a tsunami
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a tidal wave' or 'tidal waves'.
Patterns
- a tidal wave hits something
- be hit by a tidal wave
- a tidal wave of water
The coastal town was destroyed by a tidal wave after the earthquake.
Scientists warn that a tidal wave could reach the shore within minutes.
The documentary showed how a tidal wave can travel across an entire ocean.
nouncountablefigurative
a sudden, very large increase or movement of something that feels unstoppable
Grammar: Often used figuratively with 'of': a tidal wave of support, a tidal wave of emotion.
Patterns
- a tidal wave of something
- a tidal wave of support
- a tidal wave of emotion
The new policy caused a tidal wave of complaints from customers.
After the speech, a tidal wave of applause filled the hall.
She felt a tidal wave of relief when she heard the good news.
Word forms
| plural | tidal waves |
|---|
Common combinations
- a tidal wave of support
- The charity received a tidal wave of support after the TV appeal.
- a tidal wave of emotion
- He was overcome by a tidal wave of emotion at the reunion.
- be hit by a tidal wave
- The village was hit by a tidal wave and had to be rebuilt.
- a tidal wave of change
- The internet brought a tidal wave of change to the music industry.
- a tidal wave of protest
- The decision sparked a tidal wave of protest across the country.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tsunami
- Tsunami is the precise scientific term for the ocean wave; tidal wave is more common in everyday speech but can also mean a figurative surge.
- surge
- Surge is a general word for a sudden strong movement or increase, often used for crowds, electricity, or emotions; it does not imply a wave of water.
- flood
- Flood suggests a large amount of water or things arriving at once; it is less dramatic than tidal wave and does not usually suggest a single huge wave.
Word family
Commonly confused: a tidal wave or tidal?
a tidal wave vs tidal
Tidal is an adjective meaning 'relating to tides'; a tidal wave is a noun phrase. Don't say 'a tidal' when you mean the wave.
Practice
The company experienced a tidal wave of ______ after the product launch, with thousands of orders in one day.
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'a tidal wave of' is followed by an uncountable or singular noun, so 'demand' is correct. 'Demands' is plural and would need a different structure; 'demanding' is an adjective or gerund; 'demanded' is a verb form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a tidal wave”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.