A narrow, elongated depression, groove, notch, or slit, especially one for receiving something, as a coin or letter. Also used figuratively, as in A slot in the wall or an unoccupied position in a team or an organization.

An opening or position into which something can be fit; a place, such as in a class or a program schedule: I applied for the slot of chief copy editor. A piece of metal or other material for fitting into a slot: I found a good use for the old belt buckle.

A part of a slot machine that holds a coin or paper ticket: I tried to play the penny slots but they were out of coins. A narrow opening into which something can be inserted, as in a door: I saw the man through the slot of his coat.

In gaming, a slot machine is a gambling machine that uses a computer to generate random numbers when the “Play” button is pressed. These numbers determine whether the machine has a winning or losing combination on each spin. Slots are programmed to weight certain symbols more than others, and some have Wilds that can substitute for other symbols, which can increase your chances of winning a jackpot. The odds of a winning combination are printed on a pay table, which is usually located physically on the machine or displayed on the screen of a video slot.

People often believe that slot machines get hot or cold, but this is impossible as each spin has an equal chance of hitting. The odds do not change, even though the reels sometimes wiggle and the player may think they are about to hit.