A time slot is a position in a list or sequence that a thing occupies. It is also the term for a specific period of time, such as a day or an hour, when something happens. For example, a movie may be shown at 5:00 pm. It is also possible for a flight to be delayed, meaning it won’t take off until the next available slot, which might be in three hours.

There are many different slots on a computer, each with its own function. Some are used to store information, while others are reserved for particular applications. These include a slot for the operating system (OS), a file system, and a virtual memory. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the type of slot a computer uses depends on how it will be used and how much storage is needed.

In football, a slot receiver is a wide receiver who lines up on the inside of the formation, closer to the line of scrimmage than other wideouts. They often play an important role on offenses, as they can run routes up, in, and out, giving the quarterback more options. They are also good blockers, picking up blitzes from linebackers and secondary players, as well as providing protection on outside run plays.

Slots are also a vital part of the passing game, as they allow quarterbacks to attack all levels of the defense. A strong slot can make a team extremely dangerous, as evidenced by the success of players like Tyreek Hill, Cole Beasley, and Keenan Allen. Without a solid slot receiver, a team is likely to struggle.

Another use of the word is in reference to an airline slot, which is a reservation for a place at a given time on a plane or train. These reservations are usually made months in advance, but they can be changed if necessary. A large airline such as American Airlines has many slots, while smaller regional airlines may only have a few each year.

A third common usage of the word is in reference to the position of a slot machine on the casino floor. While some casinos still feature mechanical slot machines, most now offer only electronic ones. Slot machines can be classified by their number of reels, denominations, and bonus features. In addition, they can be categorized by their payout percentage or return-to-player percentage. POP is the theoretical percentage that a machine should pay out over its lifetime, while RTP is the average amount of money that a slot will return to the player during the same period. In addition, some casinos have a slot that is known as “hot”. These machines tend to have higher payouts than their peers. This makes them more appealing to customers.