serial number

American  

noun

• serial numbers
  plural

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

   the serial number of an automobile engine.

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serial number British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• serial numbers
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of serial number

First recorded in 1895–1900

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

serial number

The gold can also be purchased by central and commercial banks, because its weight, serial number and minimum purity are fully guaranteed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

An autopsy report on an Arizona man who died in a crash noted a large shard in his neck that had a DTN serial number inscribed on it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

The text messages also included photos, including one of a Javelin missile system whose serial number matched one that he had signed out from the School of Infantry West, court documents show.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 29, 2026

The unique serial number on the bank note was the authentication he needed to ensure he was handing the cash over to the right person.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2025

The superintendent would exchange the old policy for a new one which was identical in color, serial number, and beneficiary, but which carried much smaller payments.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

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