inlet

[ noun in-let, -lit; verb in-let, in-let ]

noun

1. an indentation of a shoreline, usually long and narrow; small bay or arm.
2. a narrow passage between islands.
3. a place of admission; entrance.
4. something put in or inserted.

verb (used with object)

, in·let, in·let·ting.

1. to put in; insert.

inlet

noun

1. a narrow inland opening of the coastline
2. an entrance or opening
3. the act of letting someone or something in
4. something let in or inserted
5. 1. a passage, valve, or part through which a substance, esp a fluid, enters a device or machine
   2. ( as modifier )

      an inlet valve

verb

1. tr to insert or inlay

Word History and Origins

Origin of inlet¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; in, let ¹

Example Sentences

Again, only about a 15-minute drive from downtown, and I was immersed in nature, this time surrounded by lagoons, sandbars and inlets.

From Washington Post

MacDonnell’s getaway was on a Delaware barrier island with a view of a small town across an inlet to the west.

From Washington Post

From there, paddle out southward to the Turnagain Arm bore tide, an up to ten-foot wave that usually occurs twice daily, when the incoming ocean tide meets the outgoing water from the inlet.

From Outside Online

Expect to spin up to 55 miles a day, cruising along rugged inlets, past award-winning vineyards, and into soaring alps.

From Outside Online

I tested this kayak in the back of a new inlet cut by Hurricane Sandy through a barrier beach on Long Island’s South Shore.

From Popular-Science

Fraser River, False Creek, Burrard Inlet—all those regions around there are somewhat semi-enclosed.

From The Daily Beast

In an inlet north of Pensacola Beach, his crew sighted more tar balls.

From The Daily Beast

Four miles to the north of Smoky Cape is an inlet having a bar harbour, on which there is but eight feet water.

From Project Gutenberg

The western side of the inlet is occupied by a bank of clay, that dries at low water.

From Project Gutenberg

The harbour, formed by the estuary of the river and Yellow Mill Pond, an inlet, is excellent.

From Project Gutenberg

It, too, lay in a narrow valley between rugged mountains at the head of a deep inlet.

From Project Gutenberg

On the 7th, off New River Inlet, we discovered a small sail standing to the northward.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• basin
• estuary
• fjord