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 Russian independent news outlet Mediazona reported she was convicted after two reposts on VKontakte — Russia’s version of Facebook — including one about Russian troop deaths. Clare Sebastian, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 The document, which is months old but recently was leaked to news outlets, only added to the long-standing tensions between LAHSA, which receives city funding, and some on the council who have voiced distrust in the agency and its handling of data. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The outlet also reported that police say De-Zoysa was living in the home with the family. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 When released onto social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook or X, AI deepfakes can reach millions before tech companies, government officials or legitimate news outlets are even aware of their existence. Matt Brown, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Sand for both sites is being dredged onto a hopper barge from a borrow pit 35 to 55 feet deep in the ocean about 3,500 feet offshore from the San Dieguito River outlet at Del Mar. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 Viewership rose on all of the largest outlets as Biden’s address grew by about 18 percent. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 In April, a crocodile was recorded snatching a dog from a beach in Queensland before dragging it underwater, according to the outlet. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 Starbucks’ outlets in China are entirely company-owned. Laura He, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outlet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near outlet

Cite this Entry

“Outlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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