A slit or other narrow opening, esp. one for receiving something, such as a coin or a letter. Also: a position in a group, sequence, or series: He got the last slot in the choir.

A slot machine is a type of gambling machine that accepts paper tickets with barcodes or magnetic strips to determine winning combinations. The pay table for each machine lists the payouts for various symbols and combinations, along with the amount of money the player will receive if the symbols line up on the payline. The pay table is usually posted on or near the machine, or can be accessed from a help menu. Some slots feature Wild symbols that substitute for other symbols to form a winning combination.

Penny slots are especially appealing to people who are on a budget or want to try their hand at gambling without spending too much. The bright lights, jingling jangling noises, and frenetic activity on these machines often lure players in, but it is important to know the rules of a particular game before spinning the reels. It is also a good idea to be aware of the jackpot prizes and bonus features offered by each machine before you play.

In football, a receiver who lines up in the slot is typically smaller than a traditional wide receiver and must have speed and agility to avoid being tackled. These receivers also run shorter routes on the route tree, such as slants and quick outs, to stretch defenses vertically. Increasingly, teams are using slot receivers to take pressure off their outside wide receivers and tight ends, and to create matchup problems for opposing defenses.

The definition of a slot in the English dictionary is “a position in a group, series, or sequence”; also: a slit or other narrow opening for receiving something, such as a coin, letter, or note. It may also refer to:

An unmarked area in front of the goal between the face-off circles on an ice hockey rink, affording a vantage point for attacking players.

a slit or other narrow opening in the wing of an airplane, used for a control device or to maintain a smooth air flow over the wing. Also: a slit or other narrow gap in the wing or tail of a boat, aircraft, or automobile, used for an antenna, air vent, or to allow water or snow to drain from the surface.

The phrase “cotton mouth” is also used to describe a condition that occurs when a comedian performs on stage and experiences the overproduction of perspiration that can lead to dryness in the throat and loss of control during a performance. It is a common cause of embarrassment for many comics and can make it difficult for them to speak or enunciate clearly. In addition, it can interfere with their breathing and increase the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory infections. This article was originally published in the online version of the Collins Dictionary.