A slot is an opening or groove that enables objects to be inserted or removed. A slot can be found in many things, from the mail slot of a mailbox to a USB port on a computer or laptop. The term is also used to describe positions in a game or activity, such as the slot in which a baseball is placed to be played.

In football, a slot receiver lines up closer to the center of the field than typical wide receivers, and is responsible for running precise routes. The slot receiver can help the ball carrier on running plays by blocking outside linebackers, and is also a key player in the passing game by helping to decipher complex defenses. Slot receivers are smaller and quicker than traditional wide receivers, making them a difficult matchup for NFL defenses.

A video slot machine is a type of gambling machine that accepts cash or, in some cases, paper tickets with barcodes. The machines have a rotating reel with different symbols that are displayed when the machine is activated. When a winning combination of symbols is displayed, the player receives credits based on the pay table. Depending on the theme of the machine, the symbols vary from classic fruit to stylized lucky sevens.

The term slot may also be applied to a specific time period during the day, such as an appointment with a client or a project deadline. Using slot-based scheduling can help teams prioritize tasks and meet important goals while maintaining productivity.