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Serial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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serial

[ˈsɪərɪəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tv show

A television show that consists of a set of episodes that are broadcast in sequence.

Synonyms

TV series, program, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
serial

Used to describe a story presented in separate installments. Often refers to older forms of radio or television that had continuous narratives.

  • I'm watching a serial from the 1950s.
  • The radio serial left everyone on a cliffhanger.
TV series

Specifically refers to a TV show that has a series of episodes, usually with a continuous storyline or theme across seasons.

  • Game of Thrones is a popular TV series.
  • I'm binge-watching a new TV series on Netflix.
show

A general term for any TV or radio broadcast meant for entertainment. Can include series, reality shows, talk shows, etc.

  • Did you watch that new cooking show?
  • The comedy show was hilarious.
program

Refers broadly to any scheduled broadcast on TV or radio. Can be a show, news, or any other type of content.

  • What's your favorite TV program?
  • That program airs every Monday at 8 PM.

Examples of usage

  • I love watching the latest episodes of my favorite serial.
  • The new serial has a lot of suspense and drama.
Context #2 | Noun

crime

A crime story or case that is investigated over a series of episodes.

Synonyms

crime series, investigation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
serial

Commonly used in a negative context to describe a person who commits crimes repeatedly.

  • The town was shocked to learn about the capture of a serial killer
crime series

Ideal for referring to a TV show or book that focuses on crimes and their investigations, typically over several episodes or books.

  • He loves watching crime series like 'Sherlock' and 'True Detective
  • '
investigation

Use this when referring to the act of examining a crime, situation, or mystery in detail to discover the truth.

  • The police have launched an investigation into the burglary

Examples of usage

  • The detectives worked tirelessly to solve the serial killings case.
  • The serial burglar was finally caught by the police.
Context #3 | Adjective

repeated

Recurring or happening in a series of events or actions.

Synonyms

continuous, repeated, sequential.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
serial

Duplicate entry of 'serial'. Same as first entry.
repeated

Use 'repeated' for things that happen again and again, but not necessarily in a series or order.

  • His repeated attempts finally paid off
  • The instructions were repeated for clarity
sequential

Use 'sequential' to describe things that follow a specific order or sequence, often numerically or logically.

  • The steps in the recipe need to be followed in a sequential manner
  • He solved the problems in sequential order
continuous

This word is best used when something occurs without interruption, over a period of time.

  • The machine operates in a continuous cycle
  • They enjoyed continuous success over the years

Examples of usage

  • The serial numbers on the products helped in tracking their origin.
  • Her serial lies eventually caught up with her.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Popular TV shows, like 'The Mandalorian' or 'Stranger Things', are released in serial formats to keep audiences engaged week after week.
  • The podcast format has also embraced the serial style, with famous examples like 'Serial', focusing on storytelling spread over several episodes.
  • Comic book series often release story arcs in a serial format, enticing readers to follow characters over time.

Science

  • In psychology, 'serial position effect' refers to the tendency to remember the first and last items in a list better than the middle ones.
  • The concept of 'serial monogamy' describes the practice of engaging in a series of monogamous relationships, one after another.
  • Serial killers are studied in criminology because their patterns reveal insights into human behavior and societal issues.

Literature

  • Many famous authors, like Charles Dickens, originally released their works as serials in magazines.
  • The serial novel format builds anticipation and allows readers to engage with each part more deeply.
  • Some classic literature characters, like Sherlock Holmes, first appeared in serialized stories, drawing millions of readers.

Origin of 'serial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'serial' comes from the Latin word 'series', meaning 'to join' or 'to connect'.
  • It was originally used in the 15th century to describe something occurring in a series or succession.
  • The term evolved to encompass various formats, including books and television shows, that are released in installments.

The word 'serial' originated from the Latin word 'serialis', meaning 'occurring in regular succession'. The term was first used in the context of publications or performances that are released or broadcast in a sequential order. Over time, 'serial' has been commonly associated with television shows, crime stories, and repeated occurrences.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,532 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.