A narrow notch, groove, or opening, such as a keyway in machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also: a position in a series, sequence, or group.
A slot is a dynamic placeholder that can either wait for content (a passive slot) or call out to it using a renderer (an active slot). Scenarios and slots work together to deliver content to pages, and slots are generally filled with one type of content. Using multiple scenarios to feed content into a slot could cause unpredictable results.
In a slot machine, players insert cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode to activate the reels and earn credits based on the pay table. Depending on the game, a win may require matching symbols on a pay line or a special symbol that acts as wild. Most slot games have a theme, and symbols and bonus features typically align with that theme.
In football, a wide receiver who lines up closer to the quarterback than most other receivers is called a slotback. Slotbacks are typically better suited to receiving passes than blocking or running, and they tend to be more effective when playing in an up-tempo offense that relies on short passing routes. They often serve as the backup to wide receivers when injuries arise, and they are sometimes sent out to receive kickoffs, as well. See also Darren Sproles, Larry Fitzgerald, and Christian McCaffrey.