A narrow notch or opening, as in a door, machine, or other object. A slit or slot for a coin in a vending machine, for example, is called a “slot.” If you “slot” something into another item, it means that you put it in the space where it belongs. For example, you can slot a CD into the slots in a car stereo. You can also “slot” a piece of paper into the correct slot in a typewriter.

You can also use the term to refer to a position or assignment in a group, series, sequence, etc. For example, you might schedule a meeting in a certain time slot. In sports, the unmarked area in front of the goal between the face-off circles on an ice hockey rink is often called the slot.

When you play a slot machine, you may be able to win big amounts of money by hitting the right symbols or triggering bonus games. These wins are sometimes celebrated by the slot machine making celebratory sounds or throwing virtual confetti across your screen. When you win online, however, the celebrations are typically more muted. That’s because you don’t have to share your excitement with anyone else.