: the outlet of a body of water (such as a river or lake)
especially : the mouth of a drain or sewer

Examples of outfall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The principal marsh area would be located generally west of the Rose Creek outfall. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 From there, the Atlantic Ocean becomes the final receiver, as coastal outfalls release treated or partially treated effluent directly into marine waters. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Work started on the project in March 2025, focusing on the outfall system running from Phil’s Beach, on Main Street, to Route 176. Greg Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026 For these reasons, members of the public should never enter a pipe, drain, catch basin, manhole, or outfall. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for outfall

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outfall was in 1629

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Cite this Entry

“Outfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outfall. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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