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.
The leader of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt's intelligence chief relayed similar warnings, according to reporting by NPR and other media outlets. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 Nowhere is this audience fragmentation clearer than in tech media, which is increasingly dominated by largely sycophantic media outlets owned by the decisionmakers themselves. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Media outlets, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, turned out articles that suggested a worrying picture of the corridor and restaurants that seemed to be closing left and right. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Multiple news outlets reported that diapers and baby clothes had allegedly been stolen from the store, but Vellesiya denied the claims. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlet. Accessed 27 Oct. 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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