A slot is a hole or notch that fits into another object. It can also refer to a position or job: a writer’s “slot” in the newspaper or an actor’s “slot” on a TV show. There is also a technical meaning for the word: an area of airspace allocated for an aircraft to land or take off at an airport. The term is also used figuratively to describe the place in an airplane or ship where a landing gear or other equipment is located.
In computer technology, a slot is an opening in the side of a desktop or laptop into which you can insert expansion boards. A slot is not to be confused with a bay, which is an area within a computer into which you can install disk drives.
The paylines in a slot machine determine the types of prizes and bonuses you can win with each spin. Some slots allow you to choose the number of paylines you wish to bet on, while others automatically wager on all available lines. Slots with more paylines typically have higher payout amounts.
In the NFL, a slot receiver is a wide receiver that lines up pre-snap between the last man on the line of scrimmage and one or more traditional outside receivers. These players are generally shorter and quicker than traditional wide receivers and must have a great deal of speed and agility to beat the coverage and make plays.