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

Around back, the Studio 1 keeps its connections neatly organized, with USB-C and Ethernet ports at the lower left and a recessed power inlet and physical rocker switch on the right. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Ponds, inlets, and outfalls that are not maintained do not perform as designed, and deferred maintenance is the most common reason a system that looks adequate on paper floods in practice. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

An otter bobs in the inlet, an eagle glides across the sky, and a black bear ambles amidst old-growth forest on the distant shores. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The September 2026 surge was highest where the water was directed into shallow bays and inlets. — Brian Tang, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 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
• binet
• 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