Serial
'sɪəriəl
Definitions
3 meaningsArranged in a sequence or series; occurring in a series.
'sɪəriəl
Following in a series or sequence
The documentary was presented in serial format over several weeks.
💡 Simply: Imagine a story divided into chapters, each chapter called 'serial'. It's like watching a show week after week, each episode being 'serial'.
👶 For kids: Like a TV show that has many parts, one after the other!
More Examples
The computer program processes the data serially.
She published her novel in a serial form.
How It's Used
"The store offers serial discounts to regular customers."
"He enjoyed reading the serial adventures of the detective."
Relating to or arranged in a series.
'sɪəriəl
Relating to a series or sequence
The printer uses a serial connection.
💡 Simply: When something happens one after another, like a message sent piece by piece - it's 'serial'.
👶 For kids: Like sending one letter at a time to someone - that's serial!
More Examples
Each product has a serial number for identification.
Serial killers target victims in a series of attacks.
How It's Used
"Serial communication is used for data transmission."
"The serial number on the product indicates its manufacturing order."
A story or program appearing in regular installments on television or in a magazine or newspaper.
'sɪəriəl
A story or program presented in installments
She was hooked on the radio serial every afternoon.
💡 Simply: It's like watching a show or reading a book bit by bit, week after week. Each part is a 'serial'!
👶 For kids: A story that keeps going with new parts, like a TV show!
More Examples
The magazine published a new chapter of the serial each month.
The cliffhanger at the end of the episode kept viewers tuning in to the serial.
How It's Used
"She eagerly awaited the next installment of her favorite serial."
"The television show is a popular serial."
Synonyms
Consecutive
Sequential
Arranged
Chapter
Episode
Installment
Program
Idioms & expressions
serial killer
A person who commits a series of murders, often with similar motives or methods.
"The police are searching for a serial killer who has been targeting women in the city."
serial number
A unique identification number assigned to a product or object, used for tracking and authentication.
"Please provide the serial number of your product to register it."
From Latin *seriēs* 'series, row, chain', from *serere* 'to join, connect'.
Used since the 18th century, initially referring to things arranged in a series or sequence.
Memory tip
Think of a cereal box with numbered episodes, each part of a series.