inlet

noun

in·​let ˈin-ˌlet 

-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

Synonyms

• arm
• bay
• bight
• cove
• creek [chiefly British]
• embayment
• estuary
• firth
• fjord
• fiord
• gulf
• loch [Scottish]

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

The front fascia is more aggressive, the inlets much bigger, and the wheel arches more prominent and sharp. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

For 2025, the Maybach logo appears on the front air bumper inlets, and the grille’s been tweaked. —Josh Max, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

The large inlet around modern-day Seattle became Puget Sound, named after Lieutenant Peter Puget, who surveyed the area in two small boats. —Corbin Reiff, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

One of the best ways to experience the inlet is to take a stroll along The MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk along its saltwater estuary. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from its letting water in

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

inlet

noun

in·​let ˈin-ˌlet 

-lət

1

: a small or narrow bay

2

: an opening for intake especially of fluids

Medical Definition

inlet

noun

in·​let ˈin-ˌlet, -lət 

: the upper opening of a bodily cavity

especially : that of the cavity of the true pelvis bounded by the pelvic brim