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Synonyms

slot machine

American  

noun

  1. a gambling machine operated by inserting coins into a slot and pulling a handle that activates a set of spinning symbols on wheels, the final alignment of which determines the payoff that is released into a receptacle at the bottom.

  2. any machine operated by inserting coins into a slot, as a vending machine.

slot machine British  

noun

  1. a machine, esp one for selling small articles or for gambling, activated by placing a coin or metal disc in a slot

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of slot machine

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though Rachel has restricted her own access to any sort of gambling sites, she does sometimes have the "pang" to go to the slot machine, but then remembers how far she has come.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The bill also seeks to prohibit “casino-style games” from being listed on the platforms, such as slot machine games, video poker, blackjack and bingo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Mosseri was the first major Silicon Valley figure to appear before the jury to defend himself against accusations that Instagram functions as little more than a dopamine "slot machine" for vulnerable young people.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

It’s a slot machine: either 400 views or a million, nothing in between.

From Slate • Nov. 6, 2025

The words of the two children at the slot machine were high and clear against the coarser voices of the men.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.