waves; billows; surge
Often used in formal, technical, or literary contexts for ocean waves or large swells, such as in weather reports or nautical descriptions.
The waves are getting high offshore.
A high-wave advisory has been issued, so please stay away from the sea.
As the typhoon approaches, waves are expected to rise along the coast.
Residents along the coast were urged to be on alert for rough seas.
The ferry was cancelled due to rough seas.
The Meteorological Agency issued a high-wave warning.
大波 specifically means a big wave, whereas 波浪 is a broader, formal term covering waves and swells in general.
怒濤 is a literary, dramatic word for raging, surging waves, while 波浪 is a neutral technical term used in forecasts and reports.
high wave advisory; high seas advisory
Compound of 波 (wave) and 浪 (wave, billow), reinforcing the idea of large or rough waves.