Definition of outlet

The word "outlet" initially referred to a point through which a liquid, such as water, was allowed to flow out or discharge. This meaning can be traced back to the mid-1500s, originating from the Old French word "deslet" which meant "channel." In the late 1800s, the term began to be used in reference to a store or retail location where goods could be purchased or sold. This use of "outlet" gained popularity as manufacturers started setting up their own branded stores to sell their products directly to consumers. By the early 1900s, the term "outlet mall" came into being to describe a shopping complex with multiple discounted stores operated by a single company or organization. These malls, commonly found near highways, offered both convenience and cost savings for shoppers. Today, the term outlet extends beyond shopping and is used to describe various points of discharge, such as electrical outlets and drain outlets. In addition, "outlet" continues to be commonly used in the commercial context to refer to retail locations, both online and brick-and-mortar.