What does serial mean?
Serial is a versatile word describing order, sequence, and continuation. As an adjective, it can mean arranged in a succession, as in serial numbers or serial communication, or published in installments, as in a serial novel or television serial. As a noun, a serial is a story or other work that unfolds over time through successive episodes. The word can also function as a verb, meaning to arrange or present material as a series. Its associations range from practical and technical uses, such as serial numbers, to entertainment, such as serialized mysteries, and to the familiar expression serial killer. Although a serial normally has a recognizable order, the term does not require that every part be identical; it emphasizes progression from one item, episode, or event to the next. The word is especially useful when describing something that belongs to a continuing sequence rather than occurring once, all at once, or independently.
Occurring or arranged in a sequence; forming a series; published or presented in successive installments.
"The manufacturer records each product’s serial number in its database."
Serial is broad and neutral, applying to ordered numbers, communications, publications, and crimes involving repeated offenses.
A story, drama, or other work published or broadcast in successive installments; also, a sequence of related items or events.
"The newspaper published the novel as a serial over several months."
To arrange, present, or publish something in a series or in successive installments.
"The adaptation serializes the novel for radio."
The verb is less common than the adjective and noun forms, and is often used in publishing and broadcasting contexts.
The plural is used for separate works presented in installments, such as novels, dramas, and television programs, and can also refer to multiple sequences or related units.
"The channel has produced several serials that combine historical research with drama."
Serial began with the idea of things joined one after another—and today it can describe both a numbered sequence and a story unfolding installment by installment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of serial
Serial comes from the Latin adjective serialis, meaning “of or relating to a series,” formed from series, a Latin word meaning “row, chain, or succession.” The Latin verb serere, “to join or link,” underlies the idea of elements connected one after another. Serial entered English during the early 17th century and was later extended to works published in installments; the verb developed from the same adjective. The root also appears in cognates such as series and seriatim, as well as words such as assert and insert that ultimately relate to joining or placing together.
Related word forms
How serial is actually used
Serial is neutral in tone and is common in formal and informal contexts. In descriptions of crimes, serial killer is a conventional and well-established term, while serial as a noun for a story or program may sound slightly old-fashioned compared with series. In computing and telecommunications, serial describes transmission one bit or signal at a time.
Easily confused with serial
Serial describes something arranged or published in a sequence, whereas cereal is a grain food or a breakfast made from grains.
Serial relates to a sequence or series, while serious means grave, important, or showing careful attention.