A slot is an opening in a machine or container that accepts a coin or other item to activate it. The word also refers to a time slot in a schedule or program, or the space available for an event such as a meeting or a deadline. Using slot-based scheduling methods can help professionals track important deadlines and support consistency throughout the workflow, whether it is a project timeline or an upcoming consultation with clients.

In hockey, the high slot is the area in front of the goaltender between the face-off circles in the offensive zone where a defenseman can rip a blistering slap shot that can bury a puck in the net. This shot is so fast that it requires lightning-fast reactions from the goalie to stop. It is the most difficult shot in hockey and why many players consider it a badge of honor to score one. The slot also refers to a position on a football team where the quarterback can release the ball to a wide receiver. The position of the slot receiver is becoming increasingly popular as teams shift to a more offensive-oriented style of play that relies on speed and strategy rather than power and brute strength.