A narrow notch or groove, as in a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also, a position in a group, series, sequence, etc. She was the first person to be called for the interview, so she got the slot.

A slot in a computer program or system is an assigned time and place for an activity to take place. Many professionals use this method to schedule meetings, consultations or other events with clients. In addition, it is useful for ensuring consistent interaction with the same individuals or groups over a period of time. For example, a health care provider may use slots to book appointments with patients for routine checkups, urgent care or new patient consultations.

The slot in a casino is an area that attracts the most gamblers and offers the highest payouts. These machines are usually located near the change booths or on elevated platforms that other players must pass by to reach other areas of the casino. Some people even believe that casinos strategically place loose slot machines in high-traffic locations to encourage passerby to play.

In hockey, the slot is an area of the ice directly in front of the opposing team’s goal that provides a good opportunity for a center or winger to shoot the puck without having to worry about a deflection. The slot is a well-known target for defenders who want to prevent scoring.