a narrow, elongated depression, groove, notch, slit, or aperture, esp. a narrow opening for receiving or admitting something, as a coin or a letter.

a place or position, as in a sequence or series

The program received a new time slot on the broadcasting schedule.

Linguistics . (esp. in tagmemics) a position having a specific grammatical function within a construction into which any one of a set of morphemes or morpheme sequences can be fit. Compare filler ( def. 9 ) .

an assignment or job opening; position

I applied for the slot in management training.

Journalism .

the interior opening in a copy desk, occupied by the chief copy editor.

the job or position of chief copy editor

He had the slot at the Gazette for 20 years. Compare rim def. 7

an allocated, scheduled time and place for an aircraft to take off or land, as authorized by an airport or air-traffic authority

40 more slots for the new airline at U.S. airports.

Informal . slot machine ( def. 1 ) .

Aeronautics . See under slat 1 ( def. 2 ) .

Ornithology . a narrow notch or other similar opening between the tips of the primaries of certain birds, which during flight helps to maintain a smooth flow of air over the wings.

Ice Hockey . an unmarked area near the front of an opponent's goal that affords a vantage for an attacking player.

Computers . expansion slot.

to provide with a slot or slots; make a slot in.

to place or fit into a slot

We've slotted his appointment for four o'clock.

to fit or be placed in a slot.

noun

aperture , channel , cut , groove , hole , niche , position , recess , slit , socket , space , time , vacancy , appointment , berth , billet , job , office , place , situation , spot , chase , crack , gap , hollow , keyhole , notch , opening , track