adj
serial
SEER-rih-uhl
adj
1
Arranged in, or having to do with, a series or repeated succession.
"He was investigated as a suspected serial offender."
"The show follows a serial format, with new episodes released weekly."
noun
1
A story or programme released in regular installments rather than all at once.
"The novel was originally published as a serial in a monthly magazine."
2
A unique code, especially one used to activate software or identify a specific product.
"You'll need the serial number printed on the box to register the device."
How to Use Serial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething happening repeatedly in a sequence, or released bit by bit rather than all at once.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "cereal," the breakfast food — they're pronounced identically but spelled differently.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
serial killer
serial number
serial format
Word Forms
serialed past tense, serialled past tense, serials plural, serials singular
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He was investigated as a suspected _____ offender.
Etymology
Formed from "series" plus "-al," modelled on Latin seriālis.