Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Outlet: meaning, definitions and examples

🔌
Add to dictionary

outlet

 

[ˈaʊt.lɛt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

electrical device

An outlet is a point in a wall where you can connect electrical devices to the electricity supply.

Synonyms

receptacle, socket.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
outlet

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.
socket

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.
receptacle

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.

Examples of usage

  • You can plug your phone charger into the outlet.
  • The outlet in the kitchen stopped working.
Context #2 | Noun

store

An outlet is a store that sells goods directly from the manufacturer at a discounted price.

Synonyms

discount store, factory store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
outlet

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
factory store

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
discount store

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

Examples of usage

  • I found a great deal at the outlet mall.
  • The outlet store is offering a special promotion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'outlet' comes from the Old English 'ūt' meaning 'out' and 'leatan' meaning 'to let go'.
  • It has been used since the late 15th century in English to refer to a passage for water or air.
  • In modern usage, it evolved to encompass various settings where things are released or sold.

Science

  • In electrical systems, outlets provide access for power and are crucial for our daily use of devices.
  • Different regions have various outlet designs and voltages, affecting device compatibility globally.
  • Safety features in outlets, like ground-fault circuit interrupters, help prevent electrical shocks.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'retail outlet' often refers to stores that sell products directly from manufacturers at discounted prices.
  • Outlets are frequently featured in movies as places where characters find deals or discounts.
  • There are notable outlet stores worldwide, including those from well-known brands, attracting shoppers looking for bargains.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'outlet' in psychology can refer to emotional release, like expressing feelings through art or writing.
  • Finding healthy outlets for stress—like exercise or hobbies—improves well-being and mental health.
  • Individuals often seek various outlets to cope with daily pressures, highlighting the importance of balance.

Literature

  • In literature, 'outlet' can symbolize a character's chance to express themselves or break free from constraints.
  • Authors often use imagery of outlets to show escape or transition in stories, reflecting characters' growth.
  • The metaphor of an outlet appears in poetry, where it represents relief, renewal, or a way to release pent-up emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "outlet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tomada

🇮🇳 आउटलेट

🇩🇪 Steckdose

🇮🇩 soket

🇺🇦 розетка

🇵🇱 gniazdo

🇯🇵 コンセント

🇫🇷 prise

🇪🇸 enchufe

🇹🇷 priz

🇰🇷 콘센트

🇸🇦 مقبس

🇨🇿 zásuvka

🇸🇰 zásuvka

🇨🇳 插座

🇸🇮 vtičnica

🇮🇸 innstunga

🇰🇿 розетка

🇬🇪 როზეტა

🇦🇿 rozetka

🇲🇽 enchufe

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,157 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.