tidal%20wave

noun

1. 1

   A large and sudden rise and fall in the tide.

2. 2

   A large, sudden, and disastrous wave of water caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean; a tsunami. (See Usage notes below.)

   “The last tidal wave here killed twenty and left thousands homeless.”

3. 3

   A large, sudden inundation of water from the storm surge, or waves of that surge.

4. 4

   A sudden and powerful surge.

   “As the doors opened, a tidal wave of people flooded into the room.”

5. 5

   A crest of ocean water; a wave.

6. 6

   A crest of ocean water resulting from tidal forces.