serialize

IPA/ˈsɪəriəlaɪz/
KK[sˈɪrˌiəlˌaɪz]IPA/ˈsɪriəlaɪz/

serialize — verb

  • serializepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • serializeshe / she / it
  • serializedpast simple
  • serializing-ing form

1. In computing, to turn data or a software object into a form that can be saved, s

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

In computing, to turn data or a software object into a form that can be saved, sent, and built again later.

Example

Gabriel serialized the shopping cart before saving it in the app's cache.

serialize + object before saving

The server serializes each user profile into JSON before sending it to the browser.

serialize + object + into JSON

Common collocations
  • serialize data
  • serialize an object
  • serialize state
  • serialize into JSON
  • serialize into bytes
Synonyms
  • encode

    Broader; it can mean changing information into any coded form, not necessarily one meant for later reconstruction.

  • convert

    More general; it does not by itself imply saving or restoring structured data.

  • format

    Often refers to arranging data for a particular output or layout, not packaging an object for storage or transfer.

Antonyms
  • deserialize

    To rebuild stored or transmitted data into its original structured form.

Grammar Patterns

serialize + data/object/state

serialize + object + into + JSON/bytes/string

serialize + before + -ing

Usage Note

Common in software work. The object is usually data, a file, an object, or an application state, and the result is often named with 'into JSON', 'into bytes', or a similar format phrase. Distinguish from Sense 3, which is about putting things into order rather than changing their form.

Common Mistakes

The app serialized with JSON before upload.
The app serialized the order into JSON before upload.
'serialize' normally takes the data as its object, and the format comes after 'into'.

2. To release a story or similar work bit by bit, so each part appears separately i

2.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

To release a story or similar work bit by bit, so each part appears separately in print or on radio, television, or another channel.

Example

The newspaper serialized the travel memoir over eight Sunday issues.

serialize + work + over issues

A radio station serialized the detective story during the summer holiday.

radio station serialized + story

Common collocations
  • serialize a novel
  • serialize a story
  • serialize a comic
  • serialize over six episodes
  • be serialized in a magazine
Synonyms
  • publish

    Broader; a work can be published all at once, without being divided into parts.

  • broadcast

    Fits radio or television only; it does not cover magazines or newspapers.

  • run

    Informal for printing a story in a newspaper or magazine over several issues.

Grammar Patterns

serialize + novel/story/comic

serialize + over + number + issues/episodes

be serialized + in/on/by + medium

Usage Note

Used for novels, comics, memoirs, dramas, and similar works that appear piece by piece over time. Unlike the broader verb 'publish', this sense requires the work to be split into separate parts.

Common Mistakes

The publisher serialized the book in one weekend sale.
The publisher published the book in one weekend sale.
'serialize' means issue the work in parts, not release it all at once.

3. To put separate items into a fixed order so they form a series.

3.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

To put separate items into a fixed order so they form a series.

Example

The archivist serialized the letters by year before the museum display opened.

serialize + items by year

Nkechi serialized the survey forms so the auditors could review them in order.

Common collocations
  • serialize documents
  • serialize forms
  • serialize items by date
  • serialize boxes by route
Synonyms
  • arrange

    Broader everyday verb for putting things in a chosen order or position.

  • order

    Emphasises placing items in the right sequence, often without the formal tone of 'serialize'.

  • sequence

    Often used when the order itself is the main focus or result.

Antonyms
  • jumble

    To mix items without keeping them in a clear order.

Grammar Patterns

serialize + items + by + criterion

serialize + list/group

serialize + into + order

Usage Note

Mostly formal or technical. The object is a set of items that needs a clear sequence, often with a phrase such as 'by date' or 'by route'. Distinguish from Sense 1, where data is converted into a storable format rather than arranged in order.

Word family

  • serial
    adjectiveB2
  • serial
    nounB2
  • serialization
    nounC1
  • serially
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

In computing, 'serialize' means turning structured data into a form that can be stored, sent, and rebuilt later. 'Encode' is broader: it means changing information into another system or code, but the result is not always meant to be restored into the same object. 'Convert' is also broad and simply means changing from one form to another. 'Format' often focuses on arranging content for a specific layout, file type, or display rather than packaging it for later reconstruction. For example, a server might serialize a user profile before sending it to a browser, encode a password before checking it, convert a photo from PNG to JPG, and format a report for printing.

serialize ↗encode ↗convert ↗format ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • serialize into JSON
  • be serialized in a magazine
  • serialize by date

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Formed in English from 'serial' plus the verb ending '-ize'. The older media sense grew from the idea of a story appearing as a serial, while the modern computing sense developed later for turning structured data into a sequence that software can store or transmit.

First known use

1852

1852, in the meaning defined above