A slot (plural slots) is a position in a queue that represents an opportunity for something to take place. When you are waiting to board a flight, for example, you might hear the captain say, “We’re on a late slot.”
In computing, a “slot” is a dynamic placeholder that either waits passively for content (a passive slot) or actively requests it (an active slot). Slots work in tandem with scenarios and renderers to deliver content to a page.
If you’re playing a slot machine, the pay table area displays information on jackpot amounts for specific combinations of reel symbols. It may also display game theme rules. Depending on the slot, this information may be permanently displayed or, mainly on touchscreen displays, it may be switched between an interactive series of images.
When a user plays a slot, the system keeps track of the number of coins that are played. If enough coins are played in a short period of time, the jackpot is activated. This can be a large payout, and it’s one of the main reasons players choose to play slot machines rather than other casino games.
A narrow opening or groove, such as a passage for a cable or wire. The name is derived from the Latin for a slit or cut, and compares with a hole. The term can also refer to an assigned position, such as the job of a newspaper’s chief copy editor. Also, in Australian rules football or rugby league, to kick the ball between the posts for a goal.