outlet

noun

out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet 

-lət

1

a

: a place or opening through which something is let out : exit, vent

b

: a means of release or satisfaction for an emotion or impulse

sexual outlets

c

: a medium of expression or publication

d

: a publication or broadcast organization

media outlets

2

: a stream flowing out of a lake or pond

3

a

: a market for a commodity

b

: an agency (such as a store) through which a product is marketed

retail outlets

4

: a receptacle for the plug of an electrical device

Synonyms

• egress
• exit
• issue

Examples of outlet in a Sentence

this road is the only outlet for traffic coming from the racetrack

technology has provided many new outlets for amateur writers and artists to share their work with a global audience

Recent Examples on the Web

Fine dining restaurants, fast-food outlets and supermarkets have all been doubling down on breakfast and brunch this year, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson reported earlier this year. —Monica Eng, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024

Her work appears in a variety of global and national outlets including Decanter, Robb Report, and Virtuoso Life. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Conservative outlets are not shy about labelling themselves as such, even if only through a wink and a nod. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

Both outlets suggest that this apparent change in public fortune has resulted from the spread of powerful new drugs for treating diabetes and obesity: Ozempic, Mounjaro, and the rest. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ut-lete, from ut out + -lete watercourse, from Old English gelǣt, from lǣtan to let

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing outlet

• outlet pass
• thoracic outlet syndrome

Kids Definition

outlet

noun

out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet 

-lət

1

: a place or opening through which something is let out : exit, vent

2

: a means of release or satisfaction

an outlet for her grief

3

a

: a market for a product

b

: an agency (as a store or dealer) through which a product is marketed

4

: an electrical device (as in a wall) into which an appliance may be plugged

Medical Definition

outlet

noun

out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet, -lət 

1

: an opening or a place through which something is let out

the pelvic outlet

2

: a means of release or satisfaction for an emotion or impulse

counseling provides an outlet for expressing and evaluating their feelings

—Vicki Glaser