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outlet

noun
out·​let | \ ˈau̇t-ˌlet How to pronounce outlet (audio) , -lət\

Definition of outlet

1a : 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
3a : 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about outlet

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Synonyms & Antonyms for outlet

Synonyms

egress, exit, issue

Antonyms

entrance, entranceway, entry, entryway, ingress

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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

 Sure, as in any complicated organism, every emotion or trait finds an outlet. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, "Envy and American Art," 22 Aug. 2019 Shia LaBeouf also finds a solid outlet for his idiosyncratic tastes and intensity, playing a troubled laborer-on-the-run befriended by this steadfast dreamer. — Tom Russo, BostonGlobe.com, "In ‘Peanut Butter Falcon,’ it’s the WWE or bust," 21 Aug. 2019 China’s government has denied its citizens access to global outlets for communication. — Washington Post, "Twitter shuts Chinese accounts targeting Hong Kong protests," 20 Aug. 2019 The fire is thought to have started with an exterior outlet overheating. — Evan Frank, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'That could have been catastrophic': A sleeping family in Oconomowoc was saved after a passerby noticed a fire," 19 Aug. 2019 An outlet opened at Westfield Broward Mall in Plantation in May and another debuted at Westland Mall in Miami on Aug. 10. — Doreen Christensen, sun-sentinel.com, "Thrifting at JCP and Macy’s: ThreadUp now in South Florida stores | Doreen’s Deals," 16 Aug. 2019 Nothing captures the essence of the genre better than an outdoor outlet where the music’s natural mystic can frolic freely. — Dasun Imanuel, Essence, "SUMMERSTAGE SIZZLES CENTRAL PARK WITH VP RECORDS 40th YEAR CELEBRATION," 15 Aug. 2019 Plus, the built-in external USB port makes scrambling around the airport looking for an outlet a task of the past. — Noelle Ike, CNN Underscored, "This carry-on suitcase has all the features you want for less than $200," 14 Aug. 2019 But for Jinny, the shop was an extension of herself as well as an artistic outlet. — Dallas News, "How the young owner of Frisco's Detour Doughnuts learned the business from her Korean parents," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'outlet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of outlet

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for outlet

Middle English ut-lete, from ut out + -lete watercourse, from Old English gelǣt, from lǣtan to let

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More Definitions for outlet

outlet

noun
How to pronounce outlet (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of outlet

: something that people use to express their emotions or talents
: a store that sells products made usually by one company and often at reduced prices
: a television, radio, or publishing company

See the full definition for outlet in the English Language Learners Dictionary

outlet

noun
out·​let | \ ˈau̇t-ˌlet How to pronounce outlet (audio) \

Kids Definition of outlet

1 : a place or opening for letting something out The lake has several outlets.
2 : a way of releasing or expressing a feeling or impulse I needed an outlet for my anger.
3 : a device (as in a wall) into which the prongs of an electrical plug are inserted for making connection with an electrical circuit

outlet

noun
out·​let | \ ˈau̇t-ˌlet, -lət How to pronounce outlet (audio) \

Medical Definition of outlet

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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