inlet

noun

in·​let ˈin-ˌlet How to pronounce inlet (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mountains rise suddenly and everywhere, reflected perfectly in the still fjords and inlets beneath, as if replicating the Game of Thrones intro. Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025 And of course, if cross ventilation is structurally impossible in your home, try to introduce as many inlets and outlets of air as possible to promote frequent air circulation. Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025 New braking inlets and outlets were also brought for cooling. Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 In 2024, Enterprise Products grew its natural gas processing inlet volumes by 10% YoY, total equivalent pipeline volumes by 6% YoY, NGL fractionation volumes 3% YoY, and marine terminal volumes by 6% YoY. David Trainer, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inlet

Word History

Etymology

from its letting water in

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inlet was circa 1576

Cite this Entry

“Inlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlet. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

inlet

noun
in·​let ˈin-ˌlet How to pronounce inlet (audio)
-lət
1
: a small or narrow bay
2
: an opening for intake especially of fluids

Medical Definition

inlet

noun
in·​let ˈin-ˌlet, -lət How to pronounce inlet (audio)
: the upper opening of a bodily cavity
especially : that of the cavity of the true pelvis bounded by the pelvic brim

More from Merriam-Webster on inlet

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