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.

See Examples For:

inbound

“We think elasticity in domestic and outbound will be challenging given economic backdrop, while inbound given currency and offshore economies may allow for improved cost recovery,” says Macquarie.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

“American Flag Blue” paint would fill inbound passengers to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport with patriotic palpitations as they looked outside their windows through the clean, crystal-clear water.

From Slate ● Jun. 27, 2026

Two fully loaded tankers were exiting the Persian Gulf, and four empty “very large crude carriers” were among those inbound, according to the report.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026

Authorities say they do not expect the hikes have an "immediate impact on inbound tourism".

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

“The ships were all westbound, all inbound for Cuba,” McCone said.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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