1. An opening, hole, groove, vent, slit, or other narrow opening, especially one used for receiving something, as a coin or paper ticket. 2. A position, opportunity, or chance to succeed or do well.

3. A time or place when something is available.

4. A period of time, particularly in aviation, when an airplane is permitted to take off from an airport. Usually, this is determined by air traffic control and is subject to weather conditions and staffing availability. Also called slot time, calculated take-off time (CTOT), and runway use slots.

A slot in a football team’s offense is a position on the outside of the wide receiver group, generally opposite the outside cornerback. Historically, coaches have tried to find players with speed and hands who could run precise routes and catch complex passes behind the line of scrimmage. Typically, slot receivers have a shorter frame than other wide receivers and must be quick to catch and escape tackles.

When playing a slot machine, the player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a barcoded paper ticket with a unique serial number into a designated slot on the machine, which activates a set of reels. When a winning combination is spun, the player receives credits based on the pay table. Most slot games have a theme, with symbols and other bonus features aligned with that theme. The game may also feature Wild symbols, Scatter symbols, and other special features.