outlet

noun out·let \ ˈau̇t-ˌlet , -lət \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

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

See outlet defined for English-language learners

See outlet defined for kids

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 of outlet from the Web

Just about every single media outlet (including this one!) has run endless stories in anticipation of the nuptials of Prince Harry and his future bride, American actress Meghan Markle.

— NBC News, "This is why you'll probably get up at the crack of dawn to watch the royal wedding," 16 May 2018
Wawa opened new outlets in Davie and Pompano Beach last summer.

— howard cohen, miamiherald, "It's a crap shoot to find the cleanest gas station restroom, but this one is Number 1 | Miami Herald," 16 May 2018
Each wood-floored tent offers a cushy bed, lamps, USB ports and power outlets, while the deck has a sink, Adirondack chairs, gas fire pit and ice chest; a picnic table and grill stand nearby.

— San Francisco Chronicle, "Suite Spot: Ventana Big Sur glamping," 16 May 2018
Lakeside Park is dotted with a pavilion and covered gazebos, some with electrical outlets.

— amy aumick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Union County: The draw of Lake Butler," 15 May 2018
His eye for class and social distinction had found its perfect outlet.

— christopher bonanos, Daily Intelligencer, "Tom Wolfe, Pioneer of New York and New Journalism, Dies at 88," 15 May 2018
WiFi and electrical outlets are both readily available for those looking to get some work done.

— mark kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, "Chicago's Dark Matter Coffee sets up shop in Hazel Park," 15 May 2018
Fans rallied, and soon enough, word spread that multiple outlets had stepped in to save the beloved comedy.

— laura bradley, HWD, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine Takes a Victory Lap at NBC as Fox Touts Tim Allen," 14 May 2018
Snow-free blueberry patches are at a minimum this spring, and waterfowl are not finding open water at the outlets of lakes.

— john schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, "It’s still winter in the Alaska Range, which is both good and bad," 13 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'outlet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of outlet

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

outlet Synonyms

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

OUTLET Defined for English Language Learners

outlet

noun

: something that people use to express their emotions or talents
: a store that sells products made usually by one company and often at reduced prices
: a television, radio, or publishing company

OUTLET Defined for Kids

outlet

noun out·let \ ˈau̇t-ˌlet \

1 : a place or opening for letting something out

The lake has several outlets.

2 : a way of releasing or expressing a feeling or impulse

I needed an outlet for my anger.

3 : a device (as in a wall) into which the prongs of an electrical plug are inserted for making connection with an electrical circuit

Medical Dictionary

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

Learn More about outlet

See words that rhyme with outlet Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for outlet Spanish Central: Translation of outlet Nglish: Translation of outlet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of outlet for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up outlet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

outlet

Examples of outlet in a Sentence

Recent Examples of outlet from the Web

Origin and Etymology of outlet

outlet Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Other Business Terms

OUTLET Defined for English Language Learners

outlet

OUTLET Defined for Kids

outlet

Medical Dictionary

outlet

Learn More about outlet

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Folksonomy': Let’s Get Organized

May 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

12 Words from All Over the Map

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word