Synonyms

inbound

American

[in-bound] / ˈɪnˈbaʊnd /

adjective

inward bound.

inbound ships.

inbound British

/ ˈɪnˌbaʊnd /

adjective

coming in; inward bound

an inbound ship

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of inbound

First recorded in 1890–95; in- ¹ + -bound ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Inbound shipments of electronic and electrical equipment and parts were up sharply, as were imports of metal and mineral products.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Inbound flights to LAX were also affected, with 12 flights canceled and 155 delayed.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

Inbound tourism is booming, which counts statistically as an export.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 16, 2024

Inbound tourism has become increasingly important to Japan's economy, helping drive blistering 6% annualised growth in the second quarter.

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2023

Inbound flights to Philadelphia's main airport were also affected.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023