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

Orla's mother told the outlet that the family had chosen to donate her organs to the hospital to help others.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The airman was wounded after his ejection but could still walk, according to news outlet Axios, which cited a US official.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

A survey by the independent media outlet Meduza’s Telegram channel of 50,000 readers, however, found that only 2% were considering having landline phones installed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Powered car camping, which the Coachella site says gets you a guaranteed spot with a power outlet and access to upgraded showers and bathrooms, runs for $700 with the tax included.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Leroy “Curly” Branitt, who was temporarily between jobs, had been driving his wife and mother-in-law to the outlet mall when he’d decided to make the brief detour.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

Related Words

• market
• shop
• showroom