serial number

noun

: a number indicating place in a series and used as a means of identification

Examples of serial number in a Sentence

the serial number of a computer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The interplay made sense a little later when Pearlman performed another feat, writing a figure on a whiteboard that matched the serial number to Blanche’s bill. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 July 2026 By comparing their simulations with the real-world journeys of goods that washed ashore and were identified by serial number, oceanographers have helped produce increasingly precise maps of Pacific Ocean currents. — Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 It is also engraved with that all-important serial number, which marks the moment when the dual-balance timepiece first became commercially available. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 July 2026 For tablets used by kids or guests, write down the serial number. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for serial number

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serial number was in 1838

Rhymes for serial number

See All Rhymes for serial number

Browse Nearby Words

serially
serial number
serial rights
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serial number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serial%20number. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

serial number

noun
: a number showing place in a series and used as a means of identification
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All