serrated

American  

[ser-ey-tid, suh-rey-] / ˈsɛr eɪ tɪd, səˈreɪ- /

adjective

1. having a notched edge or sawlike teeth, especially for cutting; serrate.

   the serrated blade of a bread knife.

2. serrate.

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serrated British  

adjective

1. having a notched or sawlike edge

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Other Word Forms

• subserrated adjective
• unserrated adjective

Etymology

Origin of serrated

First recorded in 1695–1705; serrate + -ed ²

Explanation

A serrated edge is jagged. When a knife is described as having a serrated blade, its edge is lined with small teeth, similar to a saw's. It will cut tomatoes, bread, and meat more effectively than a smooth-edged blade. The adjective serrated comes from the Latin word serratus, meaning “notched like a saw.” Most often, it is swords and knives that are described as serrated, but some leaves, like those of the Ash and Maple trees, as well as certain flower petals, like carnations and some tulips, also have serrated edges. Great White sharks have serrated teeth so they can more easily rip the flesh of their prey. Yum.

Example Sentences

The same company has revived it at its Broadway house, the Hayes Theater, in a crisply staged and terrifically acted production directed by Trip Cullman that keeps the play’s serrated edges as cutting as ever.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Nearly half of patients who had serrated polyps were also found to have adenomas.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Once it’s cool to the touch, use a serrated knife to slice it horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer for your sandwich.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2026

In his and Ferrera’s sturdy presence and in the serrated frenzy of Greengrass’ editing style, a shorter, tighter “The Lost Bus” would still hold plenty of dread and dramatic resilience.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

Gnomes in serrated outfits that blew in the morning wind came out of the earth, came up in rows and columns.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston