outlet
8 synonyms for outlet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use outlet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
power outlet
creative outlet
retail outlet
Etymology
From Middle English outleten, "to let out" — built from out- + let, the same "let" as in "let someone through."
Full origin of outlet →Frequently asked questions
What does “outlet” mean?
The word “outlet” means a wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices. In plain terms, a point where something — electricity, feelings, or products — gets released or sold.
How do you pronounce “outlet”?
“Outlet” is pronounced OWT-leht (/ˈaʊtlɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “outlet” in a sentence?
Here is “outlet” used in a sentence: “She plugged the lamp into the outlet by the window.”
What part of speech is “outlet”?
“Outlet” is a noun.
Where does the word “outlet” come from?
The word “outlet” comes from Middle English. From Middle English outleten, "to let out" — built from out- + let, the same "let" as in "let someone through.".
Is “outlet” a common word?
“Outlet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “outlet” have?
“Outlet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices.
What is the difference between an "outlet" and a "socket"?
Both refer to the wall fitting that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices. "Outlet" is the usual term in American English, while British English speakers more often say "socket" or "power point". The meaning is the same.
What is the difference between an "outlet" and a "plug"?
The outlet is the socket fixed in the wall that supplies electricity, and the plug is the fitting on the end of a cord that you insert into it. People often say "plug" loosely for both, but strictly speaking the plug goes into the outlet.
What is an outlet store?
An outlet store sells a particular brand's or manufacturer's goods, often at a discount. Outlet malls group many of these stores together, and shoppers visit them expecting lower prices than at regular retail stores.
