The term slot is used to describe a specific time and place for an aircraft to take off or land as authorized by an airport or air-traffic control authority. Airlines typically compete to get these slots. The slots are usually allocated by a process of request and demand, with preference given to new entrants or those airlines that offer unserved routes. This is especially true during times of high passenger traffic or when the coronavirus is affecting travel.

In casino slots, the pay tables are small tables that display how much you will win if certain symbols line up on the pay lines of the machine. They also display information on any bonus features available in the slot. Traditionally, these pay tables were displayed directly on the slot machines. However, since video games have become more complex and have a large number of reels and symbols, these pay tables are now typically shown on the game’s help screens.

The word slot is also used to refer to a particular position in a group, series, or sequence. For example, if someone is assigned to be the chief copy editor for the newspaper, that person is said to have a slot. A similar sense is found in ice hockey when referring to the unmarked area in front of an opponent’s goal, which affords a vantage point for an attacking player. The etymology of the word slot is unknown, but it may have roots in Latin or Greek.