Outlet Meaning
Outlet Definition & Usage
A place or establishment where goods are sold, often at discounted prices, typically as part of a chain of factory outlets or a discount store.
Examples
- "She spent the afternoon shopping at the outlet mall for bargain clothes."
- "The brand's outlet offers high-quality items at reduced prices."
- "We stopped by the outlet store on the way to the airport to buy souvenirs."
- "After years of searching for the perfect jacket, I finally found it at the outlet store."
- "The factory outlet near us is always packed with people looking for deals."
A device or socket for connecting electrical devices to a power supply, often referred to as an 'electrical outlet' or 'power outlet'.
Examples
- "Make sure to plug your laptop into the outlet before starting work."
- "There are two outlets in the living room that are not working."
- "Can you show me where the nearest power outlet is?"
- "I need an extension cord because there are too few outlets in this room."
- "She plugged her phone into the outlet to charge it overnight."
A means or channel through which something is expressed, conveyed, or released, such as an outlet for creativity or emotion.
Examples
- "Writing became his emotional outlet after the loss of his father."
- "She found the gym to be an excellent outlet for her stress."
- "Music is often an outlet for expressing feelings that are hard to say."
- "His artwork is a great outlet for his frustrations."
- "Painting provided her with an outlet for her creativity."
Cultural Context
The term 'outlet' has evolved over time, with roots in the concept of an exit or a means of release. In the 20th century, it became commonly associated with retail, referring to stores where goods are sold at discounted prices. In modern contexts, it is also used in terms of electrical devices and as a metaphor for emotional or creative release.
The Outlet of Her Dreams
Story
The Outlet of Her Dreams
Lucy had always dreamed of finding the perfect dress for her sister's wedding, but every time she went shopping, the prices seemed too high. One Saturday, her friend suggested they visit the new outlet mall on the edge of town. Lucy had never been to an outlet before, but she was curious. As soon as they arrived, the sheer number of stores offering discounts caught her attention. The racks were full of high-end brands at a fraction of the original cost, and before long, she was holding several dresses in her hands. At one of the stores, she noticed a vintage-looking jacket on display. It was something she had wanted for years but never bought due to its steep price. Now, it was within reach. The store assistant smiled as Lucy tried it on, and she could see the excitement in her reflection. 'I can't believe this is the outlet for this brand!' Lucy thought as she grabbed the jacket. It felt like she had found a hidden treasure. As they walked through the mall, Lucy shared how her painting class had become her outlet for stress. She told her friend about the creative peace she found in the strokes of paint, something she had never understood until recently. Her friend, who had a passion for photography, agreed that a creative outlet was essential in their busy lives. That afternoon, Lucy left the outlet mall not only with a fantastic jacket but also with a renewed sense of herself. The perfect dress and the perfect outlet—two things that would stay with her long after the weekend was over.
