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 station's rear panel pops off to reveal the water inlet and discharge ports, and the filter tray is behind a side panel. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Stormwater concerns Inadequate funding over the years has resulted in limited coverage areas and slow response for problems that arise in the city, like flooding problems, sinkhole repairs, clearing of pipes and inlets, and permit compliance. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Appealing retirement spots include the capital Ljubljana; the lake resort town of Bled; Piran, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea; and the inland city of Celje. — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Officials have also reviewed currents, tides, wind conditions and possible drift patterns, and checked local beaches, bays, inlets and other coastal areas. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 30 July 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