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

As the name suggests, a system of loudspeakers near the inlet pipes would simply scare fish away.

From BBC

She said she trekked to Murrell’s Inlet almost daily for it from her family’s summer place in close by Isle of Palm where she spent so many summers of her life.

From Salon

Red Inlet Style Clam Chowder is one of the best chowders I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.

From Salon

The dam and tide gate, built in 1951, transformed the Deschutes Estuary — where the river historically spilled into the saltwater of Budd Inlet over expansive tidal flats — into a freshwater pool that reflects the Capitol.

From Seattle Times

Canals are human-made but this inlet was naturally created by glaciers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• basin
• estuary
• fjord