Definition of serial
1 : of, relating to, consisting of, or arranged in a series, rank, or row serial order
2 : appearing in successive parts or numbers a serial story
3 : belonging to a series maturing periodically rather than on a single date serial bonds
4 : of, relating to, or being music based on a series of tones in a chosen pattern without regard for traditional tonality
5a : performing a series of similar acts over a period of time a serial killerb : occurring in or involving such a series a serial murder
6 : relating to or being a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted sequentially over a single wire — compare parallel
From the M-W Editors
Examples of serial in a sentence
The pictures are numbered and arranged in serial order.
Scientists made serial observations over a period of two weeks.
1823
First Known Use of serial
1823
serial
Definition of serial
1a : a work appearing (as in a magazine or on television) in parts at intervalsb : one part of a serial work : installment
2 : a publication (such as a newspaper or journal) issued as one of a consecutively numbered and indefinitely continued series
Examples of serial in a sentence
the university library has a vast collection of serials
1834
First Known Use of serial
1834
SERIAL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of serial for English Language Learners
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: arranged or happening in a series
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of a crime : committed many times usually in the same way
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of a criminal : committing a series of crimes
serial
Definition of serial for English Language Learners
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: a story that is broadcast on television or radio or that is published in a magazine in separate parts over a period of time
SERIAL Defined for Kids
Definition of serial for Students
: arranged in or appearing in parts or numbers that follow a regular order a serial story
Definition of serial for Students
: a story appearing (as in a magazine or on television) in parts at regular intervals
Learn More about serial
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See words that rhyme with serial Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for serial Spanish Central: Translation of serial Nglish: Translation of serial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of serial for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serial
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