outlet

[ out-let, -lit ]

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 outlet 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.

outlet

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of outlet¹

First recorded in 1200–50, outlet is from the Middle English word utlete. See out, let ¹

Example Sentences

Local media outlet Expressen has quoted from leaked emails it has seen, in which staff working for minister Paulina Brandberg ask for any bananas to be removed before official visits.

From BBC

"It feels like there's a nation that's quite exhausted and actually has been waiting to celebrate, and Christmas is a great outlet for that," she added.

From BBC

The celebrity news outlet reports that there were no other contributing factors to his death, per the document.

From Salon

“It’s spilled over to the point where I get out of my car today and I’m ambushed by a media outlet here at my house,” Strahan said.

From Los Angeles Times

Rugby used to be an outlet, but he said injuries and pressures of the sport intensified the grief he was experiencing.

From BBC

Related Words

• market
• shop
• showroom