If you’ve ever written a meeting invitation, booked an appointment, or arranged a delivery, you’ve probably encountered the phrase time slot. But should you write it as two words or combine it into one: timeslot?
The difference might look minor, yet spelling choices matter in professional emails, business documents, website content, and everyday communication. A consistent spelling also helps readers understand your message without unnecessary distractions.
The standard spelling is “time slot,” written as two words. It refers to a specific period reserved for an activity, appointment, meeting, or scheduled event. Although you may see timeslot written as one word, the two-word form is the safer choice in standard American English.
This guide explains the difference between timeslot and time slot, shows you how to use the phrase correctly, and compares it with related scheduling terms. You’ll also find practical examples, grammar tips, and answers to common spelling questions.
Timeslot or Time Slot: Which Spelling Is Correct?
Time slot is the preferred spelling in standard English. It combines two words that work together as a compound noun: time identifies the period, while slot describes an allocated place in a schedule.
For example:
- I booked a time slot for my dentist appointment.
- The manager reserved a time slot for the project meeting.
- You can choose an available time slot on our website.
- The television program occupies a regular evening time slot.
In each sentence, time slot refers to a designated period during which something is expected to happen.
The closed form, timeslot, also appears in software interfaces, technical documents, and informal writing. However, its use doesn’t make it the best default for general prose. Unless your organization’s style guide or a specific product uses the one-word spelling, choose time slot.
Why “Time Slot” Is the Standard Spelling
English contains many compound nouns that combine two familiar words into one concept. Some remain separate, some become hyphenated, and others eventually merge into a single word.
Time slot follows the open-compound pattern. The words retain their separate spellings even though they function as one grammatical unit.
Consider these similar expressions:
| Standard spelling | Meaning | Example |
| Time slot | An allocated period | Choose a time slot for your interview. |
| Time frame | A period during which something happens | We expect delivery within a two-day time frame. |
| Time zone | A region that follows a particular standard time | The meeting is scheduled in the Eastern time zone. |
| Time limit | The maximum permitted duration | Each candidate has a 30-minute time limit. |
| Time period | A particular span of time | The report covers a five-year time period. |
These expressions show why a familiar word combination doesn’t automatically become a single word. Conventional spelling determines the accepted form.
Is “Timeslot” Ever Correct?
You may encounter timeslot in scheduling software, database documentation, internal company terminology, or product interfaces. In those settings, the spelling may reflect a deliberate naming convention.
For instance, a software developer might use timeslot as a variable name:
timeslot = “10:00 AM–10:30 AM”
That spelling can be perfectly valid as a programming identifier. Programming languages allow developers to create variable names according to their own naming conventions and language rules.
However, code conventions and standard English spelling serve different purposes. A variable named timeslot doesn’t establish that timeslot is the preferred spelling in a business email or published article.
Practical rule: Use time slot in ordinary writing. Follow a product’s established terminology when you must refer to its exact interface labels or technical fields.
Time Slot as a Compound Noun
A compound noun consists of two or more words that work together to name a person, object, place, concept, or activity.
In time slot, the word time modifies slot. Together, they identify a portion of a schedule assigned to a particular purpose.
Compare these examples:
- Time: The meeting starts at 10 a.m.
- Slot: The calendar has an opening.
- Time slot: The calendar has an opening from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
The compound expression provides a more precise meaning than either word alone. It tells you that the opening occupies a particular period.
You can use time slot as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence:
- Subject: The time slot is no longer available.
- Object: We selected a morning time slot.
- Complement: The best option is the earlier time slot.
Its grammatical role changes according to the sentence, but its standard spelling remains the same.
What Does Time Slot Mean?
A time slot is a particular period set aside for an activity or event. It may be assigned in advance or selected from several available options.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the expression as a time when something can happen or is planned to happen, particularly when people can choose among several possible times. Its entry includes examples involving television schedules and allocated presentation periods.
English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary
+1
Imagine that your dentist offers appointments at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Each appointment time represents an available slot in the schedule.
Depending on the situation, a time slot may last 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, or longer. The phrase itself doesn’t specify a fixed duration.
How Time Slots Work in Scheduling
Time slots help people organize activities, allocate resources, and avoid scheduling conflicts. Businesses use them to decide when employees, customers, equipment, or facilities will be available.
A typical scheduling process works like this:
Choose a date
Select the day when the activity should happen.
Select a time slot
Choose an available period, such as 10:00–10:30 a.m.
Confirm the booking
Reserve the period and prevent conflicting appointments.
For example, a repair company might offer four 30-minute arrival windows in the morning. Customers can select the option that fits their schedules, while the company organizes its technicians’ routes.
The time slot helps define when service should occur. It doesn’t necessarily guarantee an exact arrival time unless the company promises one.
Common Examples of Time Slots in Everyday Life
You’ll find time slots in many ordinary situations.
- Healthcare: Patients book time slots for consultations, tests, and treatments.
- Workplaces: Employees reserve time slots for meetings and interviews.
- Education: Students receive time slots for examinations and presentations.
- Transportation: Operators allocate time slots for certain departures, arrivals, or facility access.
- Entertainment: Television networks assign programs specific broadcasting periods.
- Retail and delivery: Customers select time slots for deliveries, pickups, and services.
- Public services: Visitors may reserve time slots for document processing or scheduled appointments.
The meaning stays consistent across these examples. A time slot identifies a period assigned to a particular purpose.
Time Slot or Timeslot in American English
American English generally favors time slot as two separate words. Major dictionary entries from Cambridge and Collins use this form.
definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
+1
If you’re writing for an American audience, use time slot in articles, business emails, reports, school assignments, and customer-facing content.
For example:
Please select an available time slot before submitting your appointment request.
This sentence uses the standard form and communicates the instruction clearly.
The Preferred Spelling in US Dictionaries
Dictionary entries provide a useful way to check uncertain compound spellings. Rather than guessing whether two words should be joined, look up the expression in a trusted reference.
The Cambridge English Dictionary lists time slot as a two-word noun in its US English entry. Collins also uses time slot and identifies its plural as time slots.
definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
+1
These references support the two-word form as the best general choice.
| Writing situation | Recommended form |
| American English article | Time slot |
| Business email | Time slot |
| Academic paper | Time slot |
| Appointment booking page | Time slot |
| General customer instructions | Time slot |
| Software field with an established timeslot identifier | Preserve the required identifier |
| Company style guide that specifies one form | Follow the style guide |
A dictionary won’t settle every specialized naming convention. However, it gives you a reliable starting point for ordinary writing.
How Major Style Guides Treat Time Slot
Style guides help writers maintain consistent spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting. Editors often consult them when dictionaries allow multiple forms or when a publication needs a uniform house style.
For time slot, a practical approach is to consult the reference your organization already follows. If you’re writing for a newspaper, business, university, or website, its editorial rules may take priority over personal preference.
Don’t assume that every style guide explicitly discusses this exact expression. When no specific rule exists, use the established dictionary spelling and apply it consistently.
Why Two-Word Compounds Can Be Confusing
English compound nouns don’t follow one universal spelling pattern. Some stay open, some close up, and others use hyphens.
Consider these examples:
| Open compound | Closed compound | Hyphenated compound |
| Time slot | Timetable | Well-known |
| Ice cream | Website | Long-term |
| Post office | Bedroom | Up-to-date |
| High school | Notebook | Part-time |
These examples illustrate common patterns, not a rule that determines every compound. English spelling often reflects established usage rather than a formula you can apply to every pair of words.
That’s why time slot shouldn’t automatically become timeslot just because other compounds appear as one word.
How to Use Time Slot Correctly in a Sentence
Once you know the spelling, using time slot is straightforward. The expression normally functions as a countable noun, so you can refer to one time slot or several time slots.
Here are practical examples:
- I reserved a time slot for my annual checkup.
- The earliest time slot begins at 8:30 a.m.
- We need another time slot for the training session.
- Every presenter receives a 20-minute time slot.
- The available time slots appear on the booking page.
Notice how the expression fits naturally into each sentence. You don’t need a hyphen or any unusual grammatical construction.
Examples of Time Slot in Everyday Writing
Everyday communication often involves arranging a convenient time. The phrase works well when you’re choosing, reserving, changing, or discussing a specific period.
Example: Making plans
Do you have a time slot available on Friday afternoon?
Example: Changing an appointment
I’d like to move my appointment to an earlier time slot.
Example: Coordinating a group
Please choose a time slot that works for everyone.
Example: Confirming a booking
Your selected time slot is confirmed for Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Each example refers to a period that someone can select or reserve.
Using Time Slot in Business and Professional Communication
In professional writing, time slot helps communicate scheduling details without making a message unnecessarily complicated.
Suppose you need to arrange a meeting with a client. Instead of writing, “Please tell me the time when you might be able to attend,” you could write:
Please let me know which time slot works best for you.
The second version is shorter and more direct.
Here are additional examples for workplace communication:
- We have an open time slot between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
- Please reserve a time slot for the quarterly review.
- The interview time slot has changed to 10:30 a.m.
- Each department will receive a separate time slot.
- Could we find a time slot that suits both teams?
Writing tip: Include the date, time zone, and duration when readers need those details. The phrase time slot alone doesn’t tell them precisely when an event starts or ends.
For example, “Your time slot is 2 p.m.” may cause confusion when participants live in different time zones. “Your time slot is 2:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on October 22” provides more useful information.
Using Time Slot in Appointments and Reservations
Appointment systems depend on clear scheduling language. A customer needs to know which periods are available and what happens after choosing one.
Common booking instructions include:
- Select a time slot to continue.
- Your preferred time slot is unavailable.
- Please arrive five minutes before your scheduled time slot.
- You can change your time slot through your account.
- All available time slots are displayed below.
For businesses, clarity matters more than stylistic decoration. If a booking lasts 30 minutes, displaying the start and end times helps customers understand the reservation.
For example:
| Available time slot | Status |
| 9:00–9:30 a.m. | Available |
| 9:30–10:00 a.m. | Booked |
| 10:00–10:30 a.m. | Available |
| 10:30–11:00 a.m. | Available |
This table shows how time slots can divide a morning into distinct appointment periods.
Using Time Slot in Digital Scheduling Systems
Digital calendars, booking websites, and appointment applications use time slots to represent available periods. A system may calculate them from business hours, appointment lengths, staff availability, and existing reservations.
For instance, a salon open from 9 a.m. to noon might offer six 30-minute appointment slots if no breaks or other scheduling restrictions apply.
| Start time | End time | Duration |
| 9:00 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 30 minutes |
| 9:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | 30 minutes |
| 10:00 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | 30 minutes |
| 10:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 30 minutes |
| 11:00 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 30 minutes |
| 11:30 a.m. | Noon | 30 minutes |
This example assumes uninterrupted availability and appointments that begin every 30 minutes. Real booking systems may use different rules.
In technical documentation, you may see timeslot used as a field name or identifier. That’s a naming decision rather than a reason to change the spelling in surrounding prose.
For example, a developer might document the field as timeslot while writing, “Select a time slot to book your appointment.” Both can coexist because code identifiers and ordinary English follow different conventions.
Time Slot vs. Similar Scheduling Terms
Although time slot is useful in many situations, it doesn’t mean exactly the same thing as every scheduling-related expression. Choosing the right alternative helps you communicate more precisely.
Time Slot vs. Time Frame
A time slot is a designated period for an activity. A time frame is the broader period within which something is expected to happen or be completed.
For example:
- Time slot: Your consultation is scheduled for 10:00–10:30 a.m.
- Time frame: We expect to complete the project within two weeks.
A time slot usually identifies a particular place in a schedule. A time frame describes a period or deadline range.
Use time slot when arranging a meeting or appointment. Use time frame when discussing deadlines, estimates, or the expected duration of a process.
Time Slot vs. Time Window
These expressions overlap, but their emphasis differs.
A time slot usually refers to a designated period in a schedule. A time window emphasizes a range during which an activity can or should occur.
For example:
- The technician has a 30-minute time slot for your appointment.
- Your package will arrive within a two-hour delivery window.
A company may use either expression depending on its booking system and service policies. However, a delivery window doesn’t always mean the driver will arrive at one exact time.
Time Slot vs. Appointment Slot
An appointment slot is a period available for an appointment. A time slot has a broader meaning because it can apply to appointments, broadcasts, meetings, classes, and other scheduled activities.
Compare these sentences:
- I booked an appointment slot with my dentist.
- I booked a time slot for the team meeting.
The first sentence specifically refers to an appointment. The second refers to a scheduled period more generally.
When the context already makes the purpose clear, either expression may work. If you’re discussing scheduling beyond appointments, time slot is more versatile.
Time Slot vs. Time Block
A time block usually refers to a period deliberately reserved for a task or category of work. A time slot often refers to an available or assigned period within a schedule.
For example:
- I reserved a time slot for my performance review.
- I blocked two hours for uninterrupted writing.
The first describes a scheduled appointment. The second emphasizes setting aside time for a task.
These terms can overlap, especially in calendar applications. Choose the one that best reflects how the period is being used.
Is Time Slot One Word or Two Words?
The standard general-English spelling is two words: time slot. Dictionaries such as Cambridge and Collins present the expression in this form.
definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
+1
The important point is that compound nouns don’t all follow the same spelling pattern. You need to learn their established forms rather than combine words whenever doing so seems logical.
Open Compounds, Closed Compounds, and Hyphenated Compounds
English compound nouns commonly appear in three forms.
| Type | Description | Examples |
| Open compound | Words remain separate | Time slot, bus stop, post office |
| Closed compound | Words combine into one | Bedroom, notebook, timetable |
| Hyphenated compound | Words connect with a hyphen | Mother-in-law, check-in |
These categories help explain why time slot remains two words even though the phrase expresses one concept.
The spelling of a compound may change over time as usage develops. However, you shouldn’t assume that a particular expression needs to change simply because another compound has become one word.
Why “Time Slot” Is Written as Two Words
The phrase combines the noun time with the noun slot. The second word identifies a position or opening, while the first specifies that the position concerns a period.
Together, they form an established compound noun.
Other expressions follow a similar pattern:
- Time limit: A maximum permitted period.
- Time zone: A geographical region sharing a standard time.
- Time frame: A period associated with an activity or process.
- Time slot: A designated or available period in a schedule.
Notice that all four expressions use two words. Their meanings differ, but their spellings follow the same open-compound pattern.
When to Check a Dictionary for Compound Word Spelling
If you’re unsure whether a compound should be open, closed, or hyphenated, check a reputable dictionary.
A practical process looks like this:
- Search for the complete expression rather than guessing from its individual words.
- Check how the dictionary spells the main entry.
- Look at example sentences to understand the expression’s grammatical role.
- Consult your organization’s style guide if you need a consistent editorial standard.
- Apply the chosen spelling throughout the document.
This approach works for time slot and many other expressions that writers frequently confuse.
Is Time Slot Hyphenated?
In ordinary writing, time slot doesn’t need a hyphen. The standard form is two words.
For example:
- Correct: We reserved a time slot for the interview.
- Avoid in ordinary prose: We reserved a time-slot for the interview.
The second version adds punctuation that the standard spelling doesn’t require.
Time Slot vs. Time-Slot
A hyphen sometimes connects words when they work together as a modifier before another noun. However, hyphenation depends on the particular expression and the sentence.
For example, a 30-minute meeting uses a hyphen in the compound modifier 30-minute. By contrast, a meeting lasting 30 minutes doesn’t need one.
Don’t automatically apply that rule to time slot. In standard prose, write time slot as two words unless a specific editorial or technical convention requires something different.
Using Time Slot as a Noun
The phrase most commonly functions as a noun.
Examples include:
- The time slot is available.
- We selected a morning time slot.
- Her time slot begins at 1 p.m.
- The system offers several time slots.
You can place adjectives before the expression to provide more information:
- An available time slot
- An early time slot
- A preferred time slot
- A 30-minute time slot
In the last example, 30-minute describes the duration of the slot. The noun time slot retains its standard two-word spelling.
Plural and Grammatical Forms of Time Slot
The plural form is time slots. You make the noun plural by adding -s to slot, not to time.
| Singular | Plural | Example |
| Time slot | Time slots | Three time slots remain available. |
| Morning time slot | Morning time slots | Morning time slots fill quickly. |
| Appointment time slot | Appointment time slots | The website displays available appointment time slots. |
| Delivery time slot | Delivery time slots | Customers can select delivery time slots. |
This plural pattern is straightforward because slot is the main noun.
Using “Available Time Slots” Correctly
The expression available time slots is common in booking forms, customer messages, and appointment systems.
For example:
We have three available time slots on Thursday.
Here, available describes the slots, and time specifies their purpose.
You can also write:
- Please review the available time slots.
- All afternoon time slots are fully booked.
- New time slots will open next week.
- Select one of the remaining time slots.
Avoid writing time slotses or times slots. Neither is the correct plural form.
Common Prepositions Used With Time Slot
Prepositions help explain how an activity relates to its scheduled period.
| Expression | Example |
| In a time slot | The show airs in a late-night time slot. |
| During a time slot | Please remain available during your assigned time slot. |
| For a time slot | I requested a time slot for Friday. |
| Within a time window | The package should arrive within the delivery window. |
| At a scheduled time | The interview begins at 11 a.m. |
The most natural choice depends on your intended meaning. You reserve a slot for an appointment, attend during the slot, and may describe a program as airing in a particular slot.
Common Mistakes When Writing Time Slot
Even simple expressions can cause problems when writers assume their spelling or meaning without checking.
Writing “Timeslot” in Formal Documents
The most common spelling issue is joining the words into timeslot.
Although you may encounter that form in technical or informal contexts, time slot is the safer choice for general and formal English.
For example:
- Preferred: Please select your time slot.
- Less suitable as a general default: Please select your timeslot.
If you’re editing a document that already uses timeslot, check whether the organization intentionally follows that convention before changing it.
Using Time Slot When Time Frame Is More Accurate
The spelling can be correct while the meaning is wrong.
Consider this example:
We expect the renovation to finish within a three-hour time slot.
That sentence suggests a specific allocated period. If the writer simply means that completion should occur within three hours, time frame or a direct duration statement may be clearer.
Better alternatives include:
- We expect the renovation to finish within three hours.
- The expected completion time frame is three hours.
Choose words based on meaning, not just spelling. A correct expression won’t improve a sentence if it describes the wrong concept.
Inconsistent Spelling Across Websites and Documents
Inconsistent terminology can confuse readers, particularly when it appears in menus, booking forms, confirmation emails, and help pages.
Imagine a website that displays Choose a time slot on its booking page but refers to the same option as a timeslot in confirmation emails.
Readers will probably understand both forms. However, the inconsistency can make the site feel less carefully edited.
To prevent this problem, choose one standard form and use it throughout your content. For general English, that form should be time slot.
Time Slot Examples in Different Contexts
The following examples show how the expression works across different industries and everyday situations.
Work Schedules and Meetings
Businesses use time slots to organize calendars and coordinate employees.
- We reserved a time slot for the client presentation.
- Each department has a separate time slot for the review.
- The manager offered me an earlier time slot.
- Please book a time slot before joining the training session.
Practical example: A team needs to conduct five interviews, each lasting 30 minutes. The coordinator assigns five time slots across the afternoon. This helps prevent overlapping interviews and gives each candidate a defined period.
Medical Appointments and Service Bookings
Clinics, dentists, and other service providers often allocate periods to individual customers.
- The clinic has an available time slot at 9:30 a.m.
- Please arrive before your scheduled time slot.
- I need to reschedule my appointment time slot.
- The dentist’s afternoon time slots are fully booked.
A time slot may indicate the appointment’s scheduled duration or a broader arrival period. The provider should explain which applies.
Television and Radio Programming
Broadcasters use time slot to describe when a program airs. The term can also refer to a position in a channel’s schedule.
For example:
The network moved the comedy show to a later time slot.
In this sentence, the show now airs during a different period. The phrase doesn’t refer to an appointment or a customer booking.
This use is well established in dictionary definitions of the expression.
Collins English Dictionary
+1
Online Booking Forms and Delivery Services
Websites often ask users to choose a time slot before confirming a reservation or delivery.
Common instructions include:
- Choose your preferred delivery time slot.
- No time slots are available for the selected date.
- Your selected time slot will appear in the confirmation email.
- You can change your time slot before dispatch.
These examples work because the phrase tells customers that a particular period is available for selection.
Classes, Exams, and Events
Schools and event organizers use time slots to assign participants different periods.
- Each student receives a 15-minute presentation time slot.
- The exam time slot begins at 9 a.m.
- Visitors can reserve a time slot for the guided tour.
- Each speaker has a 20-minute time slot at the conference.
When a schedule involves many participants, specifying each time slot helps organizers avoid conflicts and keep events running smoothly.
How to Choose the Correct Spelling
You don’t need to memorize every compound noun in English. A reliable reference and a consistent writing habit will resolve most spelling questions.
A Simple Rule for Remembering “Time Slot”
Think of a time slot as a slot reserved for a particular period.
When writing ordinary English, keep the words separate:
time + slot = time slot
Use time slots when referring to more than one.
Examples:
- I need a time slot.
- We have two time slots available.
- Please choose your preferred time slot.
This simple pattern covers most everyday uses.
Checking Dictionaries and Editorial Style Guides
For spelling questions, consult established dictionaries rather than relying on search results alone. The Cambridge English Dictionary and Collins English Dictionary both provide entries for time slot.
definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
+1
Useful references include:
If you work with a publication or organization, check its editorial style guide as well. Consistency is especially important when several people contribute to the same document.
Maintaining Consistency in Professional Writing
Before publishing an article, sending a proposal, or releasing a booking page, review the document for inconsistent spellings.
A quick editing checklist can help:
- Use time slot as the default spelling.
- Use time slots for the plural.
- Avoid unnecessary hyphens.
- Distinguish a time slot from a broader time frame.
- Follow established technical naming conventions when required.
- Keep the wording consistent across headings, forms, emails, and body text.
These small checks improve clarity without adding unnecessary complexity to your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Time Slot vs. Timeslot
Is “time slot” one word or two?
Time slot is two words. This is the standard form used in general English and listed by major dictionaries.
definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
+1
Is “timeslot” grammatically incorrect?
Timeslot appears in some technical and informal contexts. However, time slot is the safer standard spelling for general writing. If a company or software product uses timeslot as an official identifier, preserve that identifier where necessary.
Is “time slot” the preferred spelling in American English?
Yes. The Cambridge English Dictionary’s US entry uses time slot as two words. It’s the recommended choice for American English articles, emails, reports, and everyday communication.
definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
Should I write “time slot” or “time-slot”?
Use time slot in ordinary prose. A hyphen isn’t normally necessary between the two words.
For example, write, “I booked a time slot for my interview.”
What is the plural of time slot?
The plural is time slots.
Example: “Several time slots remain available for Friday.”
What is another word for time slot?
Depending on the context, alternatives include appointment slot, scheduled period, booking window, and time block.
These expressions aren’t always interchangeable. An appointment slot refers specifically to an appointment, while a time block often describes time reserved for a task.
Is time slot the same as time frame?
No. A time slot usually identifies a designated period in a schedule. A time frame describes the broader period associated with an event, activity, or deadline.
For example, a meeting might occupy a 30-minute time slot, while the project has a three-month time frame.
How do you use time slot in a sentence?
You can write, “Please choose a time slot for your appointment.”
Other examples include:
- The morning time slot is available.
- We need to reserve a time slot for the interview.
- Several time slots remain open this afternoon.
Can I write “30-minute time slot”?
Yes. This is a correct and common construction.
The hyphen in 30-minute connects the number and unit when they work together as an adjective. The expression time slot remains two words.
Is “time slots” correct in website content?
Yes. Time slots is the correct plural form and works well in booking pages, appointment systems, and scheduling instructions.
For example, “Choose from the available time slots below” is clear and grammatically correct.
Conclusion
When deciding between timeslot and time slot, choose time slot for standard American English and most everyday writing. It’s the established two-word form used in major dictionary entries and works across professional, academic, and casual contexts.
Remember that a time slot is a designated period for an activity. Its duration depends on the situation, so it might last 15 minutes, an hour, or an entire evening.
Use time slots when referring to multiple periods. Avoid unnecessary hyphens and distinguish the expression from related terms such as time frame and time window.
The rule is simple: write “time slot” as two words unless a specific technical or editorial convention requires otherwise.