A narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a keyway in machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also: a position in a group, series, or sequence.

In a slot machine, a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode, then activates the machine by pressing a lever or button (either physical or on a touchscreen). The reels then spin and stop to rearrange the symbols. If the symbols match a pay table, the player earns credits according to the payout schedule. Symbols vary by machine, but classic symbols include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme, and bonus features align with that theme.

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A slot is a position in a group, series, sequence, or hierarchy. A man who gets a good job, for example, might have a high enough position in the company to be offered an assistant manager’s slot. The term is also used for a space in a computer, television, or other electronic device where data can be stored and accessed. She slotted a fresh filter into the machine.