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

Sellers must also provide relevant device information such as a product’s serial number to prove legitimacy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026

When a rare bottle has a serial number to trace its origin, a buyer on the secondary market likely won’t see it until the purchase is complete.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026

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 ● Mar. 12, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2026

His name was on the tag and his serial number too.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko

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