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

The approach of paying sources for news is widely condemned by media ethics organizations and major news outlets. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2024

This is the firm’s largest fund to date, according to the outlet. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Apr. 2024

Charlie Gipson is director of communications and will be point of contact for all UK and European media outlets. —Marc Schneider, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2024

Local news outlets published video of the moment in which the members of the council promised to protect constitution — as gunfire can be heard in the distance. —Eyder Peralta, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024

The wombat in the video did not appear to be sick, Mattingley told the outlet. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2024

The National Enquirer was more than a friendly media outlet for Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. —Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024

The company had a similar reaction to a 2021 Australian law that would require platforms to compensate Australian news outlets for using their content. —Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024

The local news outlet said that the suspect allegedly asked the teen to rub lotion and shower together. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 13 Apr. 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