outlet

noun

out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet How to pronounce outlet (audio)
-lət
Synonyms of outletnext
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

Synonyms of outlet

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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.
According to the outlet, Talley was coordinating with Fuentes and Spencer to check on Johnson, who was incarcerated on contempt charges. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Politicians don’t control the conversation, or the attention economy, and neither do the traditional outlets that used to herd this stuff. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The Pentagon last week fired Erik Slavin, the outlet’s editor-in-chief, Max Lederer, its publisher, and Lara Korte, a reporter who covers the Middle East — a blow to press freedoms within the US military. — Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The Washington Post and other news outlets have recently reported on incidents of individual police officers misusing information collected by license plate readers for personal reasons, such as tracking the movements of former romantic partners. — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing outlet

Rhymes for outlet

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Browse Nearby Words

outler
outlet
outlet box
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Cite this Entry

“Outlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlet. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
out·​let ˈau̇t-ˌlet, -lət How to pronounce outlet (audio)
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 feelings—Vicki Glaser
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