inlet

American  

[in-let, -lit, in-let, in-let] / ˈɪn lɛt, -lɪt, ˈɪnˌlɛt, ɪnˈlɛt /

noun

inlets plural

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.

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verb (used with object)

inlet, inletting

1. to put in; insert.

inlet British  

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

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verb

1. (tr) to insert or inlay

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• inlets
  plural

Etymology

Origin of inlet

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

Example Sentences

Hundreds of workers at Hinkley Point C are sheltered from the heat by thick concrete, like this water inlet.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon – a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

It also employs variable inlet geometry that instantly and precisely meters boost, air charge and bypass, reducing throttle latency and increasing efficiency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney however expressed dismay that he had only heard about the tanker being in the Scottish inlet of Moray Firth via media reports.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

We stayed offshore, following the lights north, and figured in the morning we'd locate an inlet where we might find a marina and rest up for a few days.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

Related Words

• basin
• estuary
• fjord