outlet

noun

out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet How to pronounce outlet (audio)
-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

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 controversy was reignited in 2010 when a cable, dated Sept. 16, 1976, was declassified and released by news outlets. Nancy Gabriner, ABC News, 30 Nov. 2023 In between, though, Prime Video and TNT will each have exclusive rights to five races per season (both outlets’ set of contests will run in consecutive weeks). Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023 As is common in these settings, the president fielded questions from the press at one point in the proceedings with quotes picked up by Spanish outlets such as MARCA. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Afterward, Worthy, a special-education teacher at a D.C. public school, told her story to local media outlets. William Wan, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2023 What Could Be Better It must be plugged into an outlet. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 According to local news outlet NBC6, Jimenez appeared in court on Monday and her bond was set at $7,500. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023 Remember to install an electrical outlet in your cloffice. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2023 Dogs are most likely to contract the condition by being in close contact with numerous other dogs at daycare, groomers, boarding kennels and dog parks, Ganzer told the outlet. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outlet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlet was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near outlet

Cite this Entry

“Outlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlet. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

outlet

noun
out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet How to pronounce outlet (audio)
-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
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 feelingsVicki Glaser

More from Merriam-Webster on outlet

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