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

• 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

Unlike previous versions of metal grille worn by vintage Mercedes-Benz models, this new grille does not have inlets where air can flow through. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

The cove is fed by Folly Brook and the current moves through the wide part of the cove toward a narrow inlet that runs underneath I‑91, entering the main stem of the Connecticut River by a narrow inlet. —Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025

Adjustable vanes are located inside the turbine housing between the inlet and turbine, controlling the flow of gases towards the turbine. —Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 30 July 2025

Lumberjack Bowl is built around an inlet of Lake Hayward that was used as a holding pond for trees sliced down by loggers in the 1800s. —Maayan Silver, NPR, 25 July 2025

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