An inlet is a narrow body of water that reaches inland from a larger body of water like an ocean, sea, or lake. Picture a finger of water stretching into the land, creating a sheltered spot where the shore curves inward.

Inlets form naturally where the ocean has carved into the coastline, often between rocky cliffs or sandy beaches. They're typically calmer than the open ocean because the surrounding land protects them from strong waves and winds. This makes inlets excellent natural harbors where boats can anchor safely. Many coastal towns were built around inlets because they provided protection for ships and easy access to both land and sea.

The word also appears in everyday objects: the inlet on a water filter is where water enters the system before being cleaned. On appliances like washing machines, the inlet is the opening where water flows in. In both cases, it's the entrance point for something flowing in from outside.

Some famous inlets include Cook Inlet in Alaska and the many inlets along the coasts of Norway, where glaciers carved deep channels into the mountainous coastline long ago.