Fjord: meaning, definitions and examples

Mostly used to describe a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, typically formed by the submergence of a glaciated valley. It is commonly found in Norway and New Zealand.

• The fjord was breathtaking, with steep cliffs rising straight out of the waters.
• We booked a cruise to explore the famous fjords of Norway.

An inlet is a small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river. It often refers to a narrow body of water between islands or leading inland from a larger body of water, and it's typically smaller than a fjord.

• We found a quiet inlet to anchor our boat and swim in the calm waters.
• The inlet was surrounded by dense forests and offered a serene getaway.

A channel is a wide strait or waterway between two landmasses that lie close to each other, often used for navigation. It can also refer to a part of a river or harbor deep enough for boats to navigate.

• The English Channel separates the southern coast of England from the northern coast of France.
• Boats navigated through the narrow channel to reach the harbor.

A sound is a large sea or ocean inlet deeper than a bight and wider than a fjord, or it can be a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land. It is often used to describe larger coastal bodies of water.

• Puget Sound in Washington State is known for its scenic beauty and marine life.
• The sailors navigated through the sound with ease, thanks to the calm waters.