A slot is a narrow opening, especially in a machine or container. A coin is inserted into the slot of a slot machine to operate it. If something slots into something else, it fits easily and securely. He dropped the coin into the slot and dialed. The car seat belt slotted into place without trouble.

A “slot” is also a time interval within a schedule or program. A visitor can book a time slot a week or more in advance. When an airline uses slot management, it reserves flight times when traffic is heavy. This reduces delays and fuel burn and improves passenger convenience.

In computer programming, a slot is a container for a variable value. For example, a variable might be stored in the “value” slot of a class. The variable is then accessible in all the methods of that class. This helps prevent data duplication and improves code readability.

Using time slots to organize meetings is an effective way to set and support important deadlines. For example, scheduling informal team meetings, consultations with staff and evaluation reviews with managers according to specific time periods can encourage open communication among teams and ensure that critical projects get the attention they need. Psychologists have found that players of video slot machines reach a debilitating level of involvement with gambling three times faster than those who play traditional casino games. This is attributed to the repetition of the slot sound, which is designed to be exciting and hypnotizing.