A slot (also known as a hole, slit, or opening) is a narrow opening in something that allows it to be inserted or positioned. A slot can also refer to a position or time in a schedule or program. For example, a visitor can book a time slot to tour the museum.

The term slot also applies to an airline’s permission to take off or land at a specific airport on a particular day and within a certain time frame. This is used in busy airports around the world to manage air traffic and prevent repeated delays that can occur when too many flights attempt to take off or land at the same time. The allocation of airport slots is controlled by regulations and can be difficult for new airlines to obtain via primary allocation. As such, air traffic management experts are still debating the best way to allocate slots to airlines in order to provide the most flexibility for all parties involved.

A slot is also the term for a special type of defensive back in the NFL. This player is tasked with covering the receiver who lines up in the slot on offense. This is a highly specialized and demanding position that requires both speed and athleticism to cover fast slot receivers who catch the ball all over the field. In addition, slot corners often play both press coverage and off-man coverage, so they must be well rounded and versatile.