What does serrated mean?
Serrated describes an edge, surface, or outline that has a series of sharp teeth or notches resembling a saw. The word is especially common when describing knives, blades, saws, and the teeth of machinery, but it can also apply to jagged natural formations such as mountain ridges. In everyday use, “serrated” suggests an edge capable of gripping or cutting through material, especially bread or fabric. Figuratively, writers use it to describe a sharply irregular outline, such as a serrated skyline or a serrated row of teeth. The related verb serrate means to give something a saw-like edge, and the noun serration names such a tooth or notch. Serrated is therefore more precise than simply “rough” or “jagged,” because it specifically evokes regularly spaced or deliberately shaped teeth.
adjectiveHaving a saw-like edge with a series of sharp teeth or notches. It may also describe a shape that is sharply toothed or jagged.
- Having a saw-like edge or a series of sharp teeth or notches.
- Characterized by a sharply toothed, jagged, or angular outline.
"The knife has a serrated blade, making it especially effective at slicing bread."
"The serrated edge of the blade caught on the fabric."
"The mountain range formed a serrated silhouette against the sky."
A serrated edge turns an ordinary blade into a row of tiny saw teeth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of serrated
The word is derived from the Latin root associated with a saw, serra, through the English form serrate and its development into serrated. In the nineteenth century, serrated was firmly established in descriptions of blades, saws, and other toothed objects. Its relatives serration and serrate preserve the same underlying idea of a saw-like edge or notch.
Related word forms
How serrated is actually used
The term is commonly used for knives, tools, teeth, and other objects with a toothed edge. It is also used figuratively or descriptively for sharply jagged outlines.
Easily confused with serrated
Serrated describes something with a saw-like series of teeth or notches, whereas serrate is the related verb meaning to form or provide with such a shape.