A slit or narrow opening, especially one for receiving something, as a coin or letter. A position in a group, series, or sequence.

A slot is also a position on an airplane’s wing or tail used for a control device, such as an air brake or spoiler. At some airports, slots are rented to airlines for use of their runway capacity. Airlines that use a lot of air traffic may be granted additional slots to ensure they can operate when needed.

In ice hockey, the slot is an unmarked area in front of the goal between the face-off circles where centers and wingers have the best chance to score without deflection. It is also a target for defenders, who are trying to prevent their opponents from getting close enough to shoot.

The term jackpot was first used in 1881, referring to poker-style games that had a rule that only players who held a pair of jacks or better could place a bet. Pots would sometimes grow large, with rounds of betting passing by without anyone logging a winning hand. The concept of the jackpot has since become widespread in gambling, describing situations where a very large sum builds up over time before paying out.

In the workplace, a slot is also an opportunity to organize events and projects around objectives that support positive outcomes. Scheduling in this manner can help employees stay on track and improve productivity. It also promotes open communication between teams regarding availability and encourages accountability for meeting deadlines.