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 This required that even unfinished parts, such as the frame or receiver of firearms, include serial numbers and require background checks to be sold. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024 Any identifying marks — serial numbers or other clues that showed who had supplied the weapons — had been carefully scraped off. Declan Walsh Ivor Prickett, New York Times, 5 June 2024 Its serial number had been scratched off, records state. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024 Detailed trace data in the leak provides the make, model, serial number and first point of sale for weapons recovered at crime scenes in Mexico. Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for serial number 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'serial number.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near serial number

Cite this Entry

“Serial number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serial%20number. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.

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!