slot-machine

A child puts a coin into the slot-machine to buy a candy bar.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gambling machine, often found in casinos or arcades, that is operated by inserting coins or tokens into a slot and pulling a lever or pressing a button to spin reels, with the aim of winning money or prizes based on the alignment of symbols.
   • Note: This word is typically used as a compound noun and is often hyphenated or written as two words ("slot machine").

Usage Examples

• (A gambling device that pays out based on chance.)
• (A coin-operated machine for entertainment or prizes.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play the slot-machine": to operate or gamble using a slot-machine.

  • She enjoys playing the slot-machine for fun, without expecting to win. (She uses the machine for recreation.)

• "slot-machine addiction": a compulsive behavior where a person repeatedly uses slot-machines despite negative consequences.

  • His slot-machine addiction led to financial ruin. (His compulsive gambling caused serious problems.)

Variants and Related Words

• Slot-machine (n): the standard spelling, often hyphenated.

  • The slot-machine at the hotel lobby was popular with tourists. (The gambling device in the hotel.)

• Slot (n): a narrow opening, such as the one in a slot-machine where coins are inserted.

  • Insert the coin into the slot. (The opening in the machine.)

• Machine (n): a device or apparatus.

  • This machine dispenses drinks. (A mechanical device.)

Synonyms

• One-armed bandit: an informal term for a slot-machine, referring to its lever (the "arm") and its tendency to take money.

  • He lost his savings to the one-armed bandit. (A slot-machine.)

• Poker machine: a type of slot-machine that simulates poker hands.

  • The poker machine was popular in the bar. (A slot-machine variant.)

Related Idioms

• "Hit the jackpot": to win a large amount of money on a slot-machine or in a lottery.

  • She hit the jackpot on the slot-machine and won $10,000. (She won a large prize.)

• "Pull the lever": to operate a slot-machine by pulling its lever.

  • He pulled the lever on the slot-machine and watched the reels spin. (He activated the machine.)