Outlet: meaning, definitions and examples

Can also mean a place that sells goods or a means of expressing emotions or ideas.

• She found a perfect outlet for her creativity in painting.
• The factory sells its surplus stock through its outlet store.

Commonly used term in British English and in some technical contexts. Refers to where you plug in electrical devices.

• Plug the microwave into the socket over there.
• He checked the wall socket to see if it was working.

More technical and formal term for an outlet in an electrical context. Often used in technical writing and manuals.

• Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into the receptacle before turning on the machine.
• The electrician installed a new receptacle in the kitchen for the oven.

A place where products are sold at lower prices, typically because they are overstock or off-season. Can also refer to any location where goods or services are sold.

• We went to the outlet to find some cheap designer clothes
• The electronics outlet is having a sale this weekend

A retail space run directly by the manufacturer, selling products at discounted prices. These are often items with minor defects, discontinued lines, or surplus stock.

• We found last season's shoes at a factory store for half the price
• The factory store is a great place to find deals on appliances

A store that sells products at lower prices, usually because they are offered at a discount compared to regular retail prices. Often these items are less current or in bulk.

• The discount store had everything we needed for the party
• They bought groceries from a nearby discount store to save money