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
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 At its most serrated, the show has satirized the unrepentant predation that marked the heights of televangelism, as churches were remade into spiritual money-laundering operations. Elizabeth Nelson, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2023 Though Chris Stapleton is a peerless vocalist, newcomer Dean shares a similar vocal essence — one uninhibited and unpredictable, veering from serrated to soulful on a whim. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 13 Aug. 2023 The sole is also serrated like Jolie’s and the ankle and top strap have a similar design. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 20 July 2023 The edges of each leaflet may be smooth or have a few coarse notches but are not serrated. Mike Hogan, The Enquirer, 28 May 2023 Two of these are serrated for slicing through the victim’s skin. John Sass, Field & Stream, 11 Apr. 2023 The result is smooth, not serrated; if Bausch was hinting at human folly and extinction, it is lost in interpretation. Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2023 See More

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 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

serrate

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