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 of outlet

• exit

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

According to local media outlet, KARK, the snakes are nonvenomous black rat snakes, which feed primarily on pests like rats and mice. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 5 June 2026

The outlet said the delays were caused by heavy demand rather than technical issues. —ABC News, 4 June 2026

Consider storage containers for wires and electrical outlets, and organize visible pantry items in containers. —Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026

Grose said in most races through the years, such as the 2025 Proposition 50 special election, the margin of victory is wide enough for media outlets to project a victor on election night. —Austin Turner, CBS News, 4 June 2026

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

Rhymes for outlet

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

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