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 of inlet

• bay
• estuary
• cove

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 whale swam into an inlet on the small island of Poel, near the port of Wismar, on Tuesday and got stuck again. —ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026

This includes the device, a user manual, power cord, water inlet and drainage hoses, five urine test strips, an RFID reader, a box of washable litter, and litter detergent. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026

This 36-inch-tall tower fan features a curved air inlet and a multi-blade design that creates a natural wind-like effect. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

Daily, overnight or tailor‑made multi-day cruises are guided by multilingual crews with customizable itineraries across quaint seaside villages and secret inlets. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from its letting water in

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for inlet

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

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