serial number
serial number — noun
1. a combination of digits, and sometimes letters, that a manufacturer gives to eac
a combination of digits, and sometimes letters, that a manufacturer gives to each product so it can be recognised as different from every other item of the same kind
When Bilal's laptop broke, the repair shop asked for the serial number.
ask for + the serial number — common verb collocation
Every new smartphone has a unique serial number printed on its back.
unique serial number — adjective collocation showing distinctiveness
Tara wrote down the serial number of her camera in case it gets stolen.
The store clerk checked the serial number before accepting the return.
You can find the serial number on a sticker underneath most printers.
- identification number
a broader term that can include serial numbers, product codes, or customer IDs
- product code
may be shorter and less unique than a serial number; often refers to a model or batch rather than a single item
- reference number
a general term for any number used to find or identify something in a system
2. a number printed on an official document, certificate, or record that shows its
a number printed on an official document, certificate, or record that shows its position in a series and helps identify it uniquely
The serial number on a birth certificate helps the government keep track of each record.
serial number on + document — prepositional pattern identifying location
Asher checked the serial number at the bottom of each page of the contract.
Every passport issued that year had a serial number starting with the same two letters.
Nora noticed the serial number on her diploma did not match the school's records.
- reference number
a more general term; a reference number may not follow a sequential order
- folio number
used specifically for pages in a book or legal document