outfall

noun

out·​fall ˈau̇t-ˌfȯl How to pronounce outfall (audio)
: the outlet of a body of water (such as a river or lake)
especially : the mouth of a drain or sewer

Examples of outfall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beaches near the river mouth and the sewage treatment plant outfall have regularly been closed because of high levels of bacteria in the ocean. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 Nationwide, there are more than 7,000 pipes called outfalls where wastewater from buildings and stormwater from rain flow together to the treatment facility. Laura Geller, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2025 Instead, on high tide days, salty water is rising up through the island’s outfalls. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 Before winter hits, around mid-November, manatees seek warm-water habitats, such as natural springs and the outfalls from power plant discharge canals. Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outfall

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outfall was in 1629

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Cite this Entry

“Outfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outfall. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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