A slot is a gap or hole in an airfoil that allows for airflow and control. The slot may be located on the wing or tail surface. In the case of a slot on a plane, it may be used to guide the flow of ailerons or rudders. A slot may also be used to guide a door or window.

In slot machines, a line of matching symbols on an active payline triggers a win. The probability of getting a particular symbol is based on the number of symbols and their arrangement on each reel, as well as any special features the machine has. For example, a Wild symbol substitutes for other symbols in a winning combination and may also trigger some type of bonus round.

Before microprocessors were added to slot machines, the physical layout of the reels limited the combinations that could be made. With the addition of microprocessors, manufacturers were able to program the machines to weight specific symbols and make them appear more often than others. This allowed them to give the impression that certain symbols were closer to hitting than they really were.

In American football, the slot is an area of the field that a wide receiver or running back occupies. The slot is an important position because it provides mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Because of this, defenders will try to limit the number of players that the offense sends into the slot.