A slot is a narrow opening, especially one in a machine or container that accepts something, such as coins or paper. The word is also used figuratively, as in “drop a coin into the slot” or “slot the paper into the envelope.” A slit or hole in an object is a slot.

A computer that has slots is called a multiprocessor. The term was originally used to describe a machine that was multiple processors in one unit, but it now applies to any multiprocessor system.

The amount of money a slot machine pays out is determined by the combination of symbols on the reels. The symbols must line up on a pay line in order to win, and different pay lines have different payout amounts.

In a slot machine, the player pulls a handle to rotate a series of reels, each with a different picture printed on them. Winning is determined by the number of matching symbols, which must land in a line on a pay table, or ‘information’ table.

In the NFL, teams have started to rely more on slot receivers, who are typically shorter and faster than traditional wide receivers. They are often used on screen passes and slant routes, because they can get open quickly in an empty part of the field. This makes them harder to cover, but they can also be more valuable blockers on running plays.