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

Rip currents are typically more frequent and stronger in the vicinity of jetties, inlets, and piers. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Rip currents are typically more frequent and stronger in the vicinity of jetties, inlets, and piers. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

Strong onshore winds are forecast to push high tides higher into inlets, sounds, bays and rivers, the National Weather Service advised. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025

The 52 mm black titanium case evokes the exterior of the hypercar, with the front grille flanked by two cooling inlets. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 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