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

Etymology

Origin of serial number

First recorded in 1895–1900

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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 29, 2025

But collectors and watch scholars have noted that the timepiece in question featured a serial number that dated it to 1965.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2025

Its serial number was DV-5-2, but that was not very useful.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov