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.
Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025 The outlet reported on July 11 that nearly two-thirds of calls to its disaster assistance hotline went unanswered two days after the flooding, as search and rescue efforts continued. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 14 July 2025 Factor in a four-hour charging time via a conventional 110-volt outlet, and users would be hard-pressed to need much more in a week’s worth of commuting, grocery and errand runs, and so on. Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Two dogs were seized after a backyard attack fatally injured a man, California sheriff’s officials told news outlets. Don Sweeney july 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 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 18 Jul. 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

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