serif

noun

ser·​if ˈser-əf How to pronounce serif (audio)
: any of the short lines stemming from and at an angle to the upper and lower ends of the strokes of a letter
serifed adjective
or seriffed
ˈser-əft How to pronounce serif (audio)

Illustration of serif

Illustration of serif
  • 1 serif

Examples of serif in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Will my boss prefer serif or sans serif headings in this pitch deck? — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 The overseas restaurant has a similar green logo with serif font. — Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026 The details of the card are written in a cursive that flows against the less elastic serifs of the demographic data questions. — Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Gowns and slippers come with blue trims and the curving serif font of The Twenty Two’s quietly cool branding. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for serif

Word History

Etymology

probably from Dutch schreef stroke, line, from Middle Dutch, from schriven to write, from Latin scribere — more at scribe

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serif was in 1841

Phrases Containing serif

Rhymes for serif

See All Rhymes for serif

Browse Nearby Words

series-wound
serif
serigraph
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serif. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

serif

noun
ser·​if ˈser-əf How to pronounce serif (audio)
: any of the short lines crossing the upper and lower ends of the strokes of a printed letter

More from Merriam-Webster on serif

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serif

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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