outlet

American  

[out-let, -lit] / ˈaʊt lɛt, -lɪt /

noun

1. an opening or passage by which anything is let out; vent; exit.

2. Electricity.

   1. a point on a wiring system at which current is taken to supply electric devices.

   2. Also called outlet box.  the metal box or receptacle designed to facilitate connections to a wiring system.

3. a means of expression or satisfaction.

   an outlet for one's artistic impulses.

4. a market for goods.

5. a store, merchant, or agency selling the goods of a particular wholesaler or manufacturer.

6. a local radio or television station that broadcasts the programs of a large network.

7. a river or stream flowing from a body of water, as a lake or pond.

8. the channel such a river or stream follows.

9. the lower end or mouth of a river where it meets a large body of water, as a lake or the sea.

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outlet British  

/ ˈaʊtlɛt, -lɪt /

noun

1. an opening or vent permitting escape or release

2. a means for release or expression of emotion, creative energy, etc

3. 1. a market for a product or service

   2. a commercial establishment retailing the goods of a particular producer or wholesaler

4. 1. a channel that drains a body of water

   2. the mouth of a river

5. a point in a wiring system from which current can be taken to supply electrical devices

6. anatomy the beginning or end of a passage, esp the lower opening of the pelvis ( pelvic outlet )

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Etymology

Origin of outlet

First recorded in 1200–50, outlet is from the Middle English word utlete. See out, let ¹

Example Sentences

He was still wearing what he slept in — black shorts and a T-shirt — when the agents arrested him, he told The Times in his first interview with a news outlet since his ordeal began.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sunday, officials said the Coast Guard was pursuing a third tanker, identified by news outlets as the Bella 1 -- under US sanctions because of alleged ties to Iran.

From Barron's

Several domestic outlets have been suspended in recent years, or shut down completely.

From Barron's

News outlets identified the ship involved as the Bella 1, an oil tanker under US sanctions since 2024 because of alleged ties to Iran and Hezbollah.

From Barron's

Coverage from multiple outlets noted that disagreements once confined to social media now played out onstage and in hallways.

From Salon

Related Words

• market
• shop
• showroom