Slot
A machine that pays out a sum of money when a specific combination of symbols appear on its reels. These machines can vary in size and shape but most have three or more stacked symbols on each of five “reels,” with the number of matching symbols determining how much money you win. A player spins the reels by pulling a handle or pressing a button. The machine records which images land on the pay line, a row in the center of the window, and then calculates how much you’ve won or lost.
The machine’s symbols may align with a theme or be random, but many have themes to help players choose which machines to play. In addition, some slots have extra mini-games or bonus features that are aligned with the theme. Some even have a storyline, such as in the movie version of Monopoly, which includes the chance to win a luxury apartment or a yacht if you land on the right spaces.
Another use of the word is to refer to a time or place, as in “At that time, the television show will air during its regular time slot.” The word can also refer to an opening or position, such as the track of a deer or a vacant room. The term is used in aviation as well, as the government assigns airports a set of slots for takeoffs and landings to prevent air traffic congestion and avoid unnecessary delays.