serrate

1 of 2

adjective

ser·​rate ˈser-ˌāt  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  ˈser-ˌāt 

serrated; serrating

transitive verb

: to mark or make with serrations

a serrated knife

Synonyms

Adjective

• serrated
• jagged

Examples of serrate in a Sentence

Adjective

a serrate saw

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

That Sean Evans had a self-deprecating and serrated sense of humor. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 May 2025

Unlike the 16th century, today, coins have the same physical consistency and in general there is little incentive for people to shave bits off coins (historically coins have serrated edges to prevent this) but broadly the Gresham’s Law is applicable in different domains. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Cut dough using a floured, serrated knife into 16 squares. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025

Leaves are deep green and gently serrated with pale violet to pinkish-white flowers. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for serrate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

serrate

adjective

ser·​rate

ˈse(ə)r-ˌāt,

sə-ˈrāt

: having a saw-toothed edge

a serrate leaf