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noun Uncommon

inlet

IHN-luht

Inlet (noun) means a narrow strip of water leading from a larger body of water into the land. Example: “The boat was anchored in a quiet inlet.”

noun
1
A narrow strip of water leading from a larger body of water into the land.
"The boat was anchored in a quiet inlet."
2
An opening that lets a substance or fluid enter something.
"Make sure the air inlet isn't blocked by debris."

How to use inlet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small bay or strip of water cutting into the coastline, or an opening that lets something flow in.

Common pairings
coastal inlet air inlet water inlet

Word forms

inlet past tense, inlets plural, inlets singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The boat was anchored in a quiet _____.

Etymology

From Middle English inlate, related to the verb inleten, "to let in."

Origin: Middle English

Frequently asked questions

What does “inlet” mean?

The word “inlet” means a narrow strip of water leading from a larger body of water into the land. In plain terms, a small bay or strip of water cutting into the coastline, or an opening that lets something flow in.

How do you pronounce “inlet”?

“Inlet” is pronounced IHN-luht (/ˈɪnlət/ in IPA).

How do you use “inlet” in a sentence?

Here is “inlet” used in a sentence: “The boat was anchored in a quiet inlet.”

What part of speech is “inlet”?

“Inlet” is a noun.

Where does the word “inlet” come from?

The word “inlet” comes from Middle English. From Middle English inlate, related to the verb inleten, "to let in.".

Is “inlet” a common word?

“Inlet” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “inlet” have?

“Inlet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow strip of water leading from a larger body of water into the land.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial