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.
Boats parked on trailers dot the inlets leading to Matagorda Bay Nature Park and campground. Mariah Tyler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025 The lagoon looked like a huge lake at the time, and visitors could see that there was no longer an open channel of water connecting the lagoon to the ocean because the inlet was blocked by a sand bar. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 Between Trump's announcement and the first flight of migrants to the facility on Feb. 5, approximately 50 new structures were assembled near Leeward Point Field, a military airfield that directly abuts the inlet to Guantanamo Bay, according to satellite imagery reviewed by ABC News. Victoria Beaule, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2025 The couple was dropped off at the Vilano Fishing Pier north of the inlet. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 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 3 Apr. 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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