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

“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

The code is essentially the phone's serial number.

From BBC

He said the device was missing a sleeve, which would have been painted orange with a serial number marking.

From BBC

Name, rank and serial number—even when the topic is Thomas Jefferson.

From The Wall Street Journal