A narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a keyway in machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also: a position in a group, series, or sequence, such as an open time slot on a schedule; or the gap between face-off circles on an ice hockey rink.
A slot in a machine into which a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode; the machine then activates reels that display symbols and pays out credits according to a paytable. Modern slot machines use complex computer algorithms to generate random results and ensure fairness. They are available at casinos and online and come in a variety of themes and styles, from classic to progressive jackpot games.
You’ve checked in early, made it through security, found your gate, and settled into your seat only to hear the captain say, “We’re waiting for a slot.” That’s what happens when a large number of planes need to land at the same time and air-traffic control cannot accommodate them all. Thankfully, over the past 20 years, central flow management (and slots) has brought huge savings in terms of delays and fuel burn.
A named slot in a template, such as