serial number

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of serial number

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Each bears a unique serial number and since 1950, winners have been prohibited from selling them on the open market without first offering them back to the organization for one dollar.

From Los Angeles Times

Police found a damaged wing mirror casing on the road and traced the serial number to Clarke-Samuel's vehicle.

From BBC

His has a photo of Paul Mescal as Sir Paul, and on the back has its own serial number.

From BBC

“There’s no unique serial number on a load of lobster meat,” Burroughs said.

From The Wall Street Journal

When sold to UK consumers, products should come with instructions written in clear English, and a batch or serial number for identification.

From BBC