A body of water let into a coast, such as a bay, cove, fjord or estuary.
"The fishing boats anchored in the quiet inlet where it meets the open ocean."
In plain English: An inlet is a small body of water that extends into land, often forming a natural harbor for boats to dock safely away from rough waves.
"The small inlet on our coast is perfect for kayaking during sunset."
Usage: Use inlet to describe any narrow channel where land curves inward from the sea, distinguishing it from broader bays by its typically restricted opening and deeper waters. This term applies specifically to coastal geography rather than internal waterways like rivers or lakes unless they connect directly to the ocean.
To let in; admit.
"Please do not forget to inlet the fresh water before we turn on the pump."
The word "inlet" comes from the Middle English inlāte, which meant an entrance or a place where water flows in. It is formed by combining the prefix in- with the verb let to mean something that was allowed to enter.