serial

1. not comparableHaving to do with or arranged in a series.

   These singular ribs have a very different direction from that of the serial teeth of the hinge, and cannot be taken for teeth.

   1823, Royal Institution of Great Britain (contributor), The Quarterly Journal - Volume 14, page 318

   Synonyms: sequential

2. not comparableWho performs a specified action or course of action repeatedly or regularly.

   The serial killer had a string of victims across seven states.

   3 more examples

   He was a serial entrepreneur, always coming up with a new way to make cash.

   "No I could not!" Kate looked at Max sternly. "I am not a cheat and I am not a serial monogamist."

   2012, Rachel James, Salisbury, Lulu.com, page 10

   “It’s easier to sort of attribute these deaths to a boogeyman serial killer as opposed to confronting the real possible reasons that these deaths are happening,” she said, pointing to mental health, substance abuse and housing issues.

   2025 October 27, Dalia Faheid, “Bodies keep being recovered from the bayous around Houston. Why officials are convinced it’s not the work of a serial killer”, in CNN, archived from the original on 28 Oct 2025

   Synonyms: career

3. not comparablePublished or produced in installments.
4. not comparablegrammarOf or relating to a grammatical aspect relating to an action that is habitual and ongoing.

plural serials

1. A literary or dramatic work, such as a radio or television programme, published in installments, often numbered and without a specified end.
2. A publication issued in successive parts, often numbered and with no predetermined end.
3. slangcomputingA serial number, esp. one required to activate software.

   Go to these sites for serials, cracks and keygens.

4. UKA unit of police officers equipped with shields to tackle a riot.

   The serials worked in pairs, one with long shields and one with short shields.

   2013, Tony Moore, Policing Notting Hill: Fifty Years of Turbulence, page 324

   1 more example

   The practice, especially among members of shield serials, of 'whooping like cowboys and indians' and beating of truncheons on riot shields must cease as this tends to frighten and intimidate rioters.

   1992, James Donald, Ali Rattansi, Race, Culture and Difference, page 66

present singular third person serials · US participle present serialing · UK participle present serialling · US participle past serialed · US past serialed · UK participle past serialled · UK past serialled

1. transitiveto assign a serial number to (especially of aircraft)