slot
slot
Slot (noun) means a narrow opening or groove designed to fit something into, or an assigned place in a schedule or sequence. Example: “The post box has a narrow slot just wide enough for letters.”
noun
1
A narrow opening or groove designed to fit something into, or an assigned place in a schedule or sequence.
"The post box has a narrow slot just wide enough for letters."
"Insert the coin into the slot."
"I booked the last available slot for Friday afternoon."
verb
1
To fit or assign something neatly into its place.
"Slot the card into the machine until you hear a click."
"I can slot you in for a quick meeting after lunch."
"The new hire slotted right into the team."
How to use slot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA narrow gap something fits into, or a scheduled spot in a sequence.
Common pairings
a time slot
slot machine
slot into place
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Word forms
- Plural
- slots
- Third person singular
- slots
- Past tense
- slotted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The post box has a narrow _____ just wide enough for letters.
Etymology
From Old French "esclot," likely related to an Old Norse word meaning "track," and possibly connected to "sleuth."
Related words
Rhymes for slot
See all rhymes for slot →Frequently asked questions
What does “slot” mean?
The word “slot” means a narrow opening or groove designed to fit something into, or an assigned place in a schedule or sequence. In plain terms, a narrow gap something fits into, or a scheduled spot in a sequence.
How do you pronounce “slot”?
“Slot” is pronounced slot (/slɑt/ in IPA).
How do you use “slot” in a sentence?
Here is “slot” used in a sentence: “Insert the coin into the slot.”
What part of speech is “slot”?
Depending on how it is used, “slot” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “slot” come from?
The word “slot” comes from Old French. From Old French "esclot," likely related to an Old Norse word meaning "track," and possibly connected to "sleuth.".
Is “slot” a common word?
“Slot” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “slot” have?
“Slot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow opening or groove designed to fit something into, or an assigned place in a schedule or sequence.
What is the difference between a slot and a slit?
A slot is a narrow opening or groove designed for something to fit into, such as a coin slot or a card slot. A slit is simply a long, narrow cut or opening, with no suggestion that anything fits into it. Slot also has a scheduling sense — an assigned place in a sequence — which slit never has.
What is a time slot?
A time slot is an assigned place in a schedule — a fixed period reserved for a particular activity, such as a 3 pm appointment slot or a prime-time TV slot. Broadcasters, clinics, and booking systems all divide the day into slots that can be reserved, filled, or missed.
Why is it called a slot machine?
A slot machine takes its name from the narrow slot into which players insert coins or tokens to play. In British English the term can also cover other coin-operated machines, not only gambling machines.
