Inlet Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：a small bay (inlet)

inlet 🔊

/ˈɪn.let/

A small area of water that goes into the land from a sea, lake, or river. Like a little pocket of water surrounded by land on three sides.

Inlet diagram: aerial view of a narrow sea bay cutting into forested coastline.

a small bay 🔊

➕

/ə smɔːl beɪ/

A narrow body of water extending from a larger one (sea, lake) into the surrounding land, often forming a sheltered cove.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'in' (into) + 'let' (allow). Literally 'a place that allows entrance'.

💡 Mnemonic

INside the land, it LETs water in. For machines, it LETs air or fuel IN.

📖 Example

We found a peaceful inlet to anchor our boat and go for a swim, away from the strong waves of the open sea. 🔊 We located a calm small bay to anchor our boat and swim, sheltered from the open sea's rough waves.

🔗 Collocations

sheltered inlet – A small bay protected from wind and waves.

narrow inlet – A long, thin stretch of water leading into the land.

🔄 Synonyms

cove (n.) – A small, sheltered bay or coastal inlet.

creek (n.) – A small stream or minor tributary of a river; also used for a narrow inlet in some regions.

🚫 Antonyms

outlet (n.) – A point where water flows out of a lake or reservoir.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Middle English, combining 'in' and 'let'. Initially used for geographic features where water flows into land, its use expanded to engineering for any entrance point, like on engines or ducts.

Meaning 2：an opening for intake (inlet)

inlet 🔊

/ˈɪn.let/

An opening or pipe on a machine or container where air, liquid, or gas can go in.

Inlet illustration: close-up of an air conditioning unit's air intake grille.

an opening for intake 🔊

➕

/ən ˈəʊ.pən.ɪŋ fɔː ˈɪn.teɪk/

A designed opening, port, or pipe on a device or container through which a fluid (air, gas, liquid) is intended to enter.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Before starting the vacuum cleaner, make sure nothing is blocking the air inlet, or it won't suck properly. 🔊 Ensure the air intake opening is clear before operating the vacuum cleaner to maintain proper suction.

🔗 Collocations

air inlet – The opening through which air is drawn into a system, like an engine or HVAC unit.

fuel inlet – The pipe or valve where fuel enters a combustion engine or heater.

🔄 Synonyms

intake (n.) – A place or structure through which fluid is taken in.

entrance (n.) – A general term for a point of entry; used in technical contexts for fluid pathways.

🚫 Antonyms

outlet (n.) – A point where something, especially fluid or electricity, flows out.

exhaust (n.) – The outlet for waste gases from an engine.