outlet

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noun out·let \ˈau̇t-ˌlet, -lət\

Definition of outlet

1a : a place or opening through which something is let out : exit, ventb : a means of release or satisfaction for an emotion or impulse sexual outletsc : a medium of expression or publicationd : a publication or broadcast organization media outlets
2 : a stream flowing out of a lake or pond
3a : a market for a commodityb : 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

Gulf governments fund their own media outlets in London, lure journalists to their ranks, and then call the tune.

— The Economist, "To escape repression, critics are leaving the Gulf," 20 July 2017
Originally conceived as another outlet for Jessica Koslow’s splendid jams, Sqirl grew into the neighborhood commissary.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
In the marketplace, customers see Ace and True Value as brands that support locally owned, neighborhood hardware outlets.

— robert reed, chicagotribune.com, "Ace eyes True Value hardware buyout deal," 12 July 2017
A number of local businesses, churches and media outlets donated products or services, or offered services at a reduced cost to support the weekend build.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "'Crazies' come out for Habitat for Humanity build in Havre de Grace," 10 July 2017
Various news outlets have reported that its range has the potential to reach Alaska and the coast of Canada.

— jeanette steele, sandiegouniontribune.com, "North Korea fired a new ICBM missile. Here's video of the U.S.-S. Korean response," 5 July 2017
As for what Trump will discuss with Putin, the issue of Russia’s 2016 election meddling will be relegated to the back burner, multiple outlets are reporting.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Reportedly Prepping for Putin Meeting With ‘Tweet-Length’ Briefings," 5 July 2017
Two weeks ago, news outlets began reporting that Beyoncé and Jay-Z's twins were born.

— suzannah weiss, Teen Vogue, "Beyoncé & Jay-Z Have Reportedly Named Their Twins," 30 June 2017
Mindy Peterson, a spokeswoman for the RiverLink program, said more than 380 Speedway outlets in the two states, including around two dozen in the Louisville area, have the kits in stock.

— sheldon s. shafer, The Courier-Journal, "Now you can buy a prepaid transponder at Speedway for your commute," 29 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

Other Business Terms

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

OUTLET Defined for English Language Learners

outlet

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noun

Definition of outlet for English Language Learners

: 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

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noun out·let \ˈau̇t-ˌlet\

Definition of outlet for Students

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

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noun out·let \ˈau̇t-ˌlet, -lət\

Medical Definition of outlet

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