A slot is a narrow opening, typically in a piece of machinery or other object, used for receiving something, such as a coin or letter. It may also refer to a position or assignment, as in “He was given the slot as chief copy editor.”

In computer technology, a slots are narrow openings on a motherboard that accept expansion cards. They may also be referred to as PCI, AGP, or ISA slots. The number of slots on a motherboard can vary, and different types of expansion cards are compatible with certain slots.

Slots are an important component of computer architecture and offer several advantages over other forms of expansion, such as add-in cards. They allow for higher data transfer rates, and their relatively small size makes them ideal for use in cramped environments such as desktop computers. A slot can also provide a path for an additional power supply unit, which can increase the overall reliability of a system.

Another type of slot is a physical notch or hole in the wing of an aircraft, especially a military plane, to reduce drag during flight. This is usually located between the fuselage and the main wing, and may be covered by flaps or ailerons to maintain a constant air flow over the wings. An airflow management system that uses slots and other sensors to manage flight delays and fuel burn is called a central flow management system.

A slot is also a position in a series or sequence, as in “The book was written in the slot before World War II.” It can also mean an allocated time for a takeoff or landing at an airport, or a scheduled place for a flight in an airline’s schedule: “He had the slot at the Gazette for 20 years.”

The term slot is also used in reference to a position on a board game. In poker, for example, the word is used to describe a position that a player holds when all the other players have passed or are out of the game. It is also commonly used to describe a player’s position in a tournament.

In casino gaming, a slot is an area on a machine that receives cash or paper tickets with barcodes (in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines). When activated by a lever or button, the reels spin and stop in positions that match symbols according to the pay table. The player earns credits based on the value of those symbols. Symbols vary by machine, but classic symbols include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slots have a theme, and bonus features often align with that theme. For example, a fantasy-themed slot might include a progressive jackpot.