C1noun2K

Outlet

UK /["/ˈaʊtlet/"]/US /["/ˈaʊtlet/"]/

Definition

a shop or an organization that sells goods made by a particular company or of a particular type

In simple words: A place or way to sell goods or services.

Examples

The business has 34 retail outlets in this state alone.
a retail outlet for exotic plants
The vouchers can be spent at any fast-food outlet across the UK.
the Nike outlet in the outlet mall
Here you'll find factory outlets that sell to the public directly.
She needed to find an outlet for her many talents and interests.
Sport became the perfect outlet for his aggression.
a sewage outlet
an outlet pipe
The appliance can be connected to any standard outlet.

Usage notes

Used in contexts related to shopping or electricity. Informal when referring to shops. Avoid in very formal business reports.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of an 'outlet' like a door where goods come out.

Collocations

specialist
high-street
local
mall
store
outlet for
specialist
high-street
local
mall
store
outlet for
emotional
creative
have
find
provide (somebody with)
outlet for
sewage
water
pipe
AC
electric
electrical

Synonyms

store
shop
retail
vendor
merchant

Antonyms

inlet
intake
source

Common mistakes

Confused with 'inlet' when discussing types of openings.
Used incorrectly to mean 'outlet store' instead of 'outlet.'
Overusing 'outlet' when other specific terms would be more appropriate, like 'retailer' or 'store.'