What does series mean?
In everyday use, a series is an ordered group of related things, actions, or works. It may describe a succession of events, such as a series of storms, a numbered television program, or a collection of books continuing the same characters and story. The word suggests continuity and connection: the members of a series are understood to be related rather than merely close together. A series can also be a technical term in subjects such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, and economics, where related elements are grouped according to a shared rule or property. As a verb, series means to arrange, produce, or publish something in installments. Its singular and plural forms are identical, so grammatical agreement depends on the intended number of groups rather than the visible form of the word. Overall, series is useful because it captures both sequence and connection without requiring the reader to know exactly how the individual elements are joined.
An ordered group or succession of related things, events, or works. It may also denote a complete set of installments, such as a television series or a sequence of games.
"The novel was published as a series of short stories."
The form is unchanged in the singular and plural. Use singular agreement with one group and plural agreement with several groups.
To arrange, produce, or publish something as a series of installments or related works.
"The publisher series the novel in three monthly parts."
This use is less common than the noun and is especially associated with publishing, broadcasting, and organized presentation.
The singular and plural forms are identical. A single group takes singular agreement, while multiple groups take plural agreement.
"A series of storms is expected across the region, and two series of storms are forecast for next week."
Series literally began as a picture of a chain: Latin series meant a row or chain of linked things.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does series come from?
The English word dates from the early 17th century and comes from Latin series, meaning “row,” “chain,” or “sequence.” The Latin noun is derived from serere, “to join, link, or string together,” a root that also underlies related forms such as serial, assert, and insert. The basic sense of linked elements in succession developed into modern uses for creative installments, mathematical sequences, classified groups, and sequences of competitive games.
How series is actually used
The noun has the same form in the singular and plural. Agreement is normally with a singular antecedent when the intended meaning is one group, as in “a series of changes is likely,” but with a plural antecedent for multiple groups, as in “several series are available.” The verb is less common than the noun and often has a publishing, broadcasting, or organizational tone.
Easily confused with series
A series is an ordered group or succession, whereas seriousness refers to the quality of being important, earnest, or grave.
A series is the whole ordered group, while a serial is an individual installment within that group.