serrate

1 of 2

adjective

ser·​rate ˈser-ˌāt How to pronounce serrate (audio)
sə-ˈrāt
: notched or toothed on the edge
specifically : having marginal teeth pointing forward or toward the apex
a serrate leaf

serrate

2 of 2

verb

ser·​rate sə-ˈrāt How to pronounce serrate (audio)
ˈser-ˌāt
serrated; serrating

transitive verb

: to mark or make with serrations
a serrated knife

Examples of serrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
And the blades are serrated, resulting in a more even slice with each cut. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023 The shark has serrated teeth that slant sideways and have multiple sharp cusps. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023 Based on Alasdair Gray’s award-winning 1992 novel, this serrated satire from Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite) drops you into Victorian-era London, at the very moment that a young woman steps off the city’s titular bridge. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2023 So, to keep your kitchen as safe as possible and your cutlery skills on point, regular knife maintenance is critical whether the knives are serrated, inexpensive, antique, or top-of-the-line. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2023 This knife sharpener can sharpen straight and serrated knives. Laura Denby, Peoplemag, 10 Oct. 2023 The type of knife could be serrated or non-serrated, a hunting knife, pocket knife, folding knife, kitchen knife, or ceramic knife. Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023 The leaves are razor-sharp and serrated like a knife. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2023 The knife has two edges: one straight and one serrated. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin serratus, from serra saw

Verb

Late Latin serratus, past participle of serrare to saw, from Latin serra

First Known Use

Adjective

1668, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serrate was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near serrate

Cite this Entry

“Serrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serrate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

serrate

adjective
ser·​rate
ˈse(ə)r-ˌāt,
sə-ˈrāt
: having a saw-toothed edge
a serrate leaf
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