What does outlet mean?
An outlet is something that provides a place or route for something to emerge, flow, connect, or be expressed. Most commonly, it means a wall socket or other connection where electricity can be used. In retail, an outlet is a store or shop, often one associated with discounted goods or a particular brand. An outlet can also be an opening through which water, gas, or another fluid flows. Figuratively, it describes a means of releasing emotions or giving energy, creativity, and ideas a practical form. The word is especially useful because it connects physical ideas of connection and passage with social and personal ideas of expression and opportunity. Its meaning depends on context, but the central concept is consistently a route or place through which something is provided or released.
A socket or connection in an electrical circuit, used to connect a device to a power supply.
"Plug the kettle into the outlet nearest the counter."
Also called a wall socket or power outlet; especially common in American English.
A store or shop, especially one selling goods at reduced prices or products from a particular brand.
"She bought the jacket at an outlet store outside the city."
Common in American English and widely understood in British English, although “discount store” or “factory shop” may be preferred in some contexts.
A passage, opening, or structure through which water, gas, or another fluid flows.
"The reservoir has an outlet into the river below."
Often used in technical, engineering, or geographical contexts.
A means of expressing or releasing feelings, ideas, energy, or creative ability.
"Journaling gave her an outlet for her thoughts during the move."
Figurative and often used with “for,” as in “an outlet for creativity” or “an outlet for stress.”
The plural is used regularly for electrical connections, stores, passages, and figurative channels of expression.
"The hotel room has several outlets beside the bed."
From the power of electricity to the outlet store, one word has come to stand for both a place where things come out and a route for talent to emerge.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outlet come from?
The word outlet is formed from the prefix out and the word let, suggesting a passage or way out. It was used in mechanical and electrical contexts before becoming common for shops and, more figuratively, for channels through which ideas, emotions, or creative abilities could be expressed. The related word inlet was formed in parallel with the opposite sense of an opening or passage entering a place.
How outlet is actually used
The electrical sense is standard in British and American English. In retail contexts, “outlet” can mean a discount store, a shop selling a particular brand, or a business's online or physical sales channel. In expressions such as “an outlet for stress,” the word suggests release or expression.
Easily confused with outlet
An outlet is a connection, opening, shop, or means of expression, whereas an outlook is a perspective or a person's likely future circumstances.