serial number

noun

1. a number, usually one of a series, assigned for identification:

   the serial number of an automobile engine.

serial number

noun

1. any of the consecutive numbers assigned to machines, tools, books, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of serial number¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The San Diego City Council last week approved a ban on sale and possession of gun frames and firearms that don’t have a serial number, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

From Voice of San Diego

Ghost guns are homemade, untraceable firearms that are usually constructed from ready-made kits in which the pieces of the gun do not have serial numbers, The Trace explained late last year.

From Voice of San Diego

If it’s found somewhere, law enforcement can run the serial number and trace that storyline back to its manufacturer.

From Voice of San Diego

In the state of California, you are supposed to register it as a firearm and get a serial number at that point.

From Voice of San Diego

The API also disclosed some information about members’ workout equipment, such as its serial number.

From TechCrunch

The serial number was right,” he later said, rattling off, “20314261.

From The Daily Beast

Each bracelet would include the serial number of the gun it is made from.

From The Daily Beast

Yet it was perfect as regards the paper and printing—even to its black serial number.

From Project Gutenberg

It consists in giving each species, as it comes under observation, a serial number which refers to a record in a notebook.

From Project Gutenberg

The general rule is, "Enter societies under the first word not an article or serial number, of its corporate name."

From Project Gutenberg

In the upper right hand corner of Volume Three, I saw what seemed to be a serial number—349.

From Project Gutenberg

He had two large marine duffelbags with his name on them, and probably his Marine serial number.

From Project Gutenberg