How to pronounce serial
Say it like SIR-ee-ul. Serial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIR).
- SIR
- ee
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Serial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of serial
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: SEER-reerl.
What does serial mean?
- Having to do with or arranged in a series.
- Who performs a specified action or course of action repeatedly or regularly.“The serial killer had a string of victims across seven states.”
- Published or produced in installments.
- A literary or dramatic work, such as a radio or television programme, published in installments, often numbered and without a specified end.
- A publication issued in successive parts, often numbered and with no predetermined end.
- A serial number, esp. one required to activate software.“Go to these sites for serials, cracks and keygens.”
- to assign a serial number to (especially of aircraft)
Where does serial come from?
Formed as series + -al, on model of Latin seriālis, from seriēs + -ālis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- sequential
- career
- consecutive
- sequent
- successive
- in series
- nonparallel
- series
Words that rhyme with serial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of serial.
Words that sound like serial
Questions about saying serial
How do you pronounce serial?
Say SIR-ee-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪˌriəl/. In British English it is /ˈsɪərɪəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in serial?
Serial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIR). Broken into parts: SIR · ee · ul.
Is serial pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈsɪərɪəl/ (SEER-reerl).
What words sound the same as serial?
Serial sounds the same as cereal in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.