inlet

noun

in·​let ˈin-ˌlet How to pronounce inlet (audio)
-lət
1
a
: a bay or recess in the shore of a sea, lake, or river
also : creek
b
: a narrow water passage between peninsulas or through a barrier island leading to a bay or lagoon
2
: a way of entering
especially : an opening for intake

Examples of inlet in a Sentence

The coast is dotted with tiny inlets. went fishing in the quiet inlets of the coast
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the north side of the inlet, the jetty pier stretches 1,000 feet into the ocean, luring those with fishing poles in tow to cast a line for snook, redfish, black drum, king mackerel, and more. Terry Ward, Outside Online, 19 Jan. 2025 That's when cold arctic air starts to cool the lakes, allowing ice to form in some of the bays and inlets. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024 Icy Repose by Sue Flood A Weddell seal reclines on an ice floe in Neko Harbor, an inlet on the Antarctic Peninsula. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 To explain the difference between Tesla's system and CCS, Sun holds up a chunk of black plastic with round holes in it — the charging inlet of a vehicle on the CCS system. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inlet 

Word History

Etymology

from its letting water in

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inlet was circa 1576

Dictionary Entries Near inlet

Cite this Entry

“Inlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlet. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

inlet

noun
in·​let ˈin-ˌlet How to pronounce inlet (audio)
-lət
1
: a small or narrow bay
2
: an opening for intake especially of fluids

Medical Definition

inlet

noun
in·​let ˈin-ˌlet, -lət How to pronounce inlet (audio)
: the upper opening of a bodily cavity
especially : that of the cavity of the true pelvis bounded by the pelvic brim

More from Merriam-Webster on inlet

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