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

Plugging the metal end of the hose into the inlet engages the vacuum’s motor, turning the machine on; when the hose is unplugged, the system shuts itself off. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

The lake below was green, opaque, and nestled into a hundred little inlets. —Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

Firefighters and police maintained a visual on the woman as fire crews positioned themselves on both sides of the inlet, Skau said. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026

Another stealth feature is the dorsal air inlets on the upper surface of the fuselage. —David Szondy april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 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