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

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

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

Hochman said the weapon Sepulveda allegedly used was a so-called “ghost gun,” which did not have a serial number.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

What they hoped was the famed Lockheed Electra 10E Special, serial number 1055, turned out to be an “unfortunate” geologic formation, according to a company statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

It was the size of a bread loaf, stamped with a serial number and the Words U.S.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan