Outlet
ˈaʊtˌlɛt
Definitions
4 meaningsA place or opening through which something is released or discharged.
ˈaʊtˌlɛt
A place or opening for something to come out.
The river's outlet is the sea.
💡 Simply: An outlet is like a door or a hole where something comes out. Like when you're feeling angry, maybe drawing is your outlet to release the anger.
👶 For kids: A way for something to go out or escape, like a water pipe is an outlet for water.
More Examples
The factory's waste is released through an outlet.
He needed an outlet for his frustration.
How It's Used
"The dam has an outlet to release excess water."
"The patient's pain needed an outlet."
A store or establishment that sells goods, often at discounted prices.
ˈaʊtˌlɛt
A place or store from which goods are sold.
I bought my new shoes at an outlet.
💡 Simply: An outlet is a store, especially one where you can buy things at lower prices. Like, you could find an outlet mall where stores sell clothes, shoes, and other things at lower prices.
👶 For kids: A store or shop where you can buy things.
More Examples
The company is opening new retail outlets across the country.
The outlet mall has great deals.
How It's Used
"She bought the dress at a discount outlet."
"The company is opening new retail outlets."
A means of expressing or releasing emotions or energy.
ˈaʊtˌlɛt
A means of expression or release.
Music is a great outlet for his feelings.
💡 Simply: An outlet is a way to express or release something, like feelings or energy. It's like a pressure-release valve. Like, some people might find reading an outlet to deal with hard emotions.
👶 For kids: A way to show or get rid of feelings or energy.
More Examples
She found an outlet in writing.
He uses exercise as an outlet for stress.
How It's Used
"Painting provides an outlet for his creativity."
"Exercise provides an outlet for stress."
A socket, usually in a wall, into which the plug of an electrical device is connected to supply power.
ˈaʊtˌlɛt
A socket to which an electrical device can be connected.
Be careful not to overload an electrical outlet.
💡 Simply: An outlet is a place in the wall where you plug in things to get electricity, like a lamp or your phone charger.
👶 For kids: A hole in the wall where you plug in things to make them work with electricity.
More Examples
The phone charger needs an outlet.
There is a power outlet in the wall.
How It's Used
"Plug the lamp into an electrical outlet."
"I need to find a free outlet to charge my phone."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
outlet mall
A shopping center where stores sell goods at discounted prices.
"We went to the outlet mall to find some bargains."
power outlet
An electrical socket.
"Make sure the power outlet is working before plugging in your appliance."
From Middle English outlete, from out + lete (to let out), from Old English ūt + lǣtan (to let).
The word 'outlet' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a way out or a discharge point for liquid or other substances. Its meaning has broadened over time.
Memory tip
Think of a drain pipe: It provides an outlet for water.
Word Origin
"a way out; to release"