A slot is a narrow opening into which something may be fitted. The word is attested in English from the mid-1600s (as a noun, “a place or position for a person, especially a job”) and from the mid-1800s as an adjective, meaning “narrow” or “slim.” The meaning of the noun has been extended to include the time allocated to a takeoff or landing at an airport by air traffic control. The system is designed to keep the flow of aircraft well spaced out so that air traffic controllers can manage it safely.

A slot machine is a gambling machine that uses a random number generator to determine the outcome of a spin. The machine accepts cash or paper tickets with barcodes, which are inserted into a slot to activate the reels and award credits according to the paytable. Some machines have a Wild symbol, which substitutes for other symbols to make a winning combination, and Scatter or Bonus symbols that trigger special game features.

Slot machines are designed to attract players and generate large amounts of revenue for the casino. Some have themes based on famous movies, TV shows, and locations. They also feature multiple paylines and bonus features that align with the theme. Most slots have a house edge, which is the casino’s advantage over the player. The house edge is higher for high volatility slots, which are more likely to make large payouts but also have a greater risk of losing money.

In electromechanical slot machines, a tilt switch would make or break a circuit that triggered an alarm. Modern machines no longer have tilt switches, but any technical problem (door switch in the wrong state, out of paper, reel motor failure, etc.) is still referred to as a “tilt”.

The probability of a given symbol appearing on the reels in a slot machine is determined by its paytable. Some symbols are common, such as a stylized lucky seven or fruits, and others can be more unique. A slot’s paytable will also describe the symbols’ meanings and payouts. The odds of a particular symbol are displayed on the machine’s “candle”, which flashes in different patterns to indicate service needed, jackpot, door open, and other conditions.

The term “slot” can also refer to the notch or gap in the tips of certain bird’s primaries, which helps to maintain a steady flow of air over the wings during flight. The slot is also used to refer to the position in an orchestra or chorus that is usually occupied by a singer with the highest voice range. The slot is often crowded by other singers, but the singer who occupies this position can usually sing louder and more clearly than any of the other members of the group. A slot is also a place in the game of ice hockey where a player may stand during a period of time when another team is in possession of the puck.