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.
The front fascia is more aggressive, the inlets much bigger, and the wheel arches more prominent and sharp. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024 For 2025, the Maybach logo appears on the front air bumper inlets, and the grille’s been tweaked. Josh Max, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The large inlet around modern-day Seattle became Puget Sound, named after Lieutenant Peter Puget, who surveyed the area in two small boats. Corbin Reiff, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 One of the best ways to experience the inlet is to take a stroll along The MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk along its saltwater estuary. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near inlet

Cite this Entry

“Inlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlet. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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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