expansion slot

noun

: a socket on the motherboard of a computer into which an expansion card may be inserted

Examples of expansion slot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Mac Pro has six full-length PCI Express 4 expansion slots available, made for use with everything from professional audio recording cards (think Avid HDX) to studio-grade video gear, like the Blackmagic Deck Link. Brian Westover, PCMAG, 6 June 2023 Like prior models, the 2023 XPS Desktop can be purchased with liquid cooling and is meant to be easily upgradeable with two DIMM slots, three PCIe expansion slots, four storage bays, and support for up to 450 W in graphics power. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2023 Now use the screw and washer in the expansion slot behind the drive to secure your SSD in place via the screw opening on the back of the drive. Hunter Fenollol, Popular Mechanics, 6 Mar. 2023 The computer also requires a specific type of expansion slot for communicating with the imaging hardware, and must be able to capture audio, visual, nasal-airflow and electric signals from throat electrodes, which measure whether the vocal cords are open. Aaron Pressman, Fortune, 2 June 2021 It’s been a long time coming for Chara, who is one of the original MLS Timbers who joined when Portland was awarded a league expansion slot in 2011. oregonlive, 20 Nov. 2020 While some can install in traditional 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drive bays, other models can be installed in a PCI Express expansion slot or even be mounted directly on the motherboard, a configuration that's now common in late-model systems. PCMAG, 26 Aug. 2022 Start by removing the rectangular metal expansion slot cover in the top left of your PS5, next to the fan. Saira Mueller, Wired, 17 Nov. 2021 Saturday was the Thorns’ first time facing Racing Louisville, which is playing its first season in the NWSL after being awarded an expansion slot in late 2019. Caitlin Murray, oregonlive, 5 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expansion slot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansion slot was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near expansion slot

Cite this Entry

“Expansion slot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansion%20slot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!