# inlet

/ˈɪnˌɫɛt/ (US) · /ˈɪnlət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inlet
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. body of water

noun · CEFR B2

a narrow area of water that reaches into the land from the sea, a lake, or a river.

For teachers: a narrow strip of water extending into a body of land from a larger body of water, such as a sea or lake.

- The small boat found safety from the storm in a quiet rocky inlet.
- The rugged coastline is defined by numerous deep inlets that provide natural harbours for the local fishing fleet.

### 2. mechanical opening

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

an opening through which air, gas, or liquid is allowed to enter a machine or container.

For teachers: a passage or orifice through which a fluid or gas is drawn into a cavity or mechanical system.

- Check the air inlet for dust to make sure the engine runs smoothly.
- The engineer redesigned the fuel inlet to increase the flow rate and improve the overall efficiency of the combustion chamber.

### 3. to insert or inlay

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to set one piece of material into another so that the surfaces are flat.

For teachers: to insert or inlay a piece of material into a surface, often for decorative or functional fitting.

- The craftsman had to inlet the metal lock into the wooden door frame.
- The gunsmith carefully inletted the barrel into the walnut stock to ensure a perfectly flush fit and stable alignment.

## Examples

- The boat sailed slowly into the quiet inlet.
- We found a hidden inlet where the water was calm enough for the children to swim safely.
- The rugged coastline is dotted with numerous rocky inlets, providing essential shelter for small fishing vessels during the frequent autumn storms.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.