a narrow notch or groove, such as a keyway in machinery or a slit for coins in a machine. verb (used with object): to insert into a slot: He slotted the coin into the slot.

A slot is a place in a schedule or program where an activity can take place. Health care providers often use time slots to schedule appointments with patients, such as consultations for new patients or evaluation reviews for existing ones. Businesses may also use slots to organize meetings with employees and clients.

In a slot game, a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode into a slot to activate the machine and spin the reels. If a winning combination of symbols appears, the player earns credits based on the paytable. The symbols vary, but classics include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme. The game’s payouts are determined by the odds of winning. If the player wins, the amount of credits won is reflected in a meter at the top of the machine.

The word slot is also used to describe a position in an activity, such as the high slot in hockey where a defenseman can make a blistering slap shot. It is important to be careful when using this word, as it can imply that a particular slot is a good or bad idea.