slot machine

noun

1

: a machine whose operation is begun by dropping a coin into a slot

2

: an originally coin-operated gambling machine that pays off according to the matching of symbols on wheels spun by a handle

also : an electronic version of this machine

Examples of slot machine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tottenham, repressed for so long in their spending and ambition, are suddenly flashing the cash like a slot machine, dropping £237million ($324m) already. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Virginia rightfully rejected legalizing online casinos this past spring, recognizing the threat of putting a 24/7 slot machine within arm’s reach of every state resident. — Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Passenger trains stopping at Fountain Square could bring more folks, especially Wisconsin gamblers, to the permanent casino, which eventually will have 1,250 slot machines and 65 table games. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

The slot machines also teach us a lot about the power sensory engagement. — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slot machine

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Kids Definition

slot machine

noun

1

: a machine whose operation is begun when a coin is dropped into a slot

2

: a coin-operated gambling machine that pays off for the matching of symbols on wheels spun by a handle