A "payline" is a term commonly used in the context of slot machines and video slots. It refers to a specific line or pattern on the game screen where matching symbols must land for a player to win a payout. Paylines can be straight, zigzag, or even in complex shapes, depending on the game design. In traditional slot machines, there is usually a single payline, while modern video slots can feature multiple paylines, sometimes exceeding 100. Players can often choose how many paylines to activate, which affects their chances of winning and the amount they wager per spin.