What does serration mean?
A serration is one of the tooth-like projections or notches that make an edge resemble a saw. Serrations appear on knives, saw blades, certain tools, and some natural structures, where they can increase cutting ability, grip, or resistance to slipping. The word is especially associated with blades and other manufactured objects, but it can also describe naturally toothed edges. In general descriptive use, “serrations” may refer to the individual notches or collectively to the notched edge itself. Related forms include “serrate,” meaning to provide with a saw-like edge, and “serrated,” meaning divided into sharp projections. Although “serration” is closely connected with saws in its history and appearance, the term is not limited to actual saws: any edge with a sequence of angular, tooth-like points can be described as serrated. Its precision makes it more suitable for technical, culinary, craft, or descriptive writing than for casual references to an uneven edge.
nounA tooth-like projection or notch on an edge that has been cut or shaped like a saw. The term can also refer more generally to a serrated or saw-toothed edge.
- A tooth-like projection or notch on a saw-toothed edge.
- A serrated edge or the pattern of projections along it.
"The knife's fine serrations helped it slice through the tough rind."
"The blade catches on the bread because of its sharp serrations."
"The technician inspected the serrations around the rim for signs of wear."
Used when referring to multiple tooth-like projections or notches, or to a notched pattern more generally.
"The saw's evenly spaced serrations cut smoothly through the metal."
From the Latin for “saw,” a serration is where an edge borrows the teeth of a saw.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does serration come from?
The word comes from Latin serrātiō, a noun derived from serrāre, “to saw,” which in turn comes from serra, “saw.” The same Latin root produced English forms such as serrate and serrated, as well as serriform, meaning saw-shaped. The development of the word reflects the long-established practice of describing sharp, tooth-like projections by analogy with a saw.
Related word forms
How serration is actually used
The word is most common in technical and descriptive contexts involving blades, tools, teeth, or other deliberately notched edges. In ordinary use, “serrated” is often more natural than “serration.”
Easily confused with serration
A serration is a tooth-like projection or notch, while serrate is an adjective describing an edge that has such projections.