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
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 arrest came after a video went viral, which appears to show Staples beating her 12-year-old son with a belt, according to local outlet Fox 10. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025 In addition to comfortable couches, stylish pendant lighting, and spacious console tables for your entryway, the outlet includes wall art, bedding, outdoor furniture, and more. Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025 In the past few days, Premium Residency holders have been able to buy alcohol from the Diplomatic Quarter outlet. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 22 Nov. 2025 Bolsonaro was taken to a relatively luxurious room in the Federal Police headquarters in the meantime, according to a federal police official speaking with the outlet. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlet

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlet. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!