The narrow opening in a machine or container into which something fits. I dropped the CD into the slot of my music player.
The area in front of the goaltender and between the face-off circles is known as the “slot.” It is the best place for a center or winger to take a wrist shot because they can see the puck directly into the net. A slap shot from the slot is one of the hardest shots in hockey to defend.
Modern slot machines are designed to be high-tech, with video screens instead of mechanical reels and buttons that accept player loyalty cards rather than coins. They also provide detailed instructions that help players understand the odds of winning, and explain how to activate special features. The combination of all these explainers is collectively called the pay table.
In football, the position of “slot receiver” is slowly replacing the fullback as the NFL shifts toward a pass-heavy game. Slot receivers are fast athletes that line up closer to the quarterback and can use the waggle (motion before the snap). They are usually sent out to receive passes and are not expected to block or run the ball. Darren Sproles and Larry Fitzgerald are examples of this new trend.
Unlike a pinball machine, you cannot slam, bang, or otherwise abuse a slot machine, because it is armor-plated and has tempered glass. The machine is also equipped with sensors that detect any tampering and will shut itself off if it is abused. Abusing a slot machine can also void any credits you have left.
