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, 30 Aug. 2025

Swim at Wied il-Għasri and Ramla Beach Mgarr ix-Xini is a beautiful inlet flanked by cliffs and frequented by locals. —AFAR Media, 28 Aug. 2025

Engines and noise Spike is pursuing low‑bypass turbofans (LBR), a conventional supersonic choice that balances specific thrust with acceptable inlet size and drag. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025

Paddlers can explore side channels and hidden inlets, all while being surrounded by towering rock walls and lush riverbanks. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 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