serialize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “serialize” mean?
To arrange or process something in a series or sequence, especially to convert data into a format suitable for storage or transmission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To arrange or process something in a series or sequence, especially to convert data into a format suitable for storage or transmission.
To adapt a story (often from literature or television) into a format where it is released in sequential installments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'serialise' is the standard British spelling, 'serialize' is American. Both are accepted in technical contexts globally.
Connotations
In British media contexts, 'serialise' can have a stronger association with classic literature adaptations for radio/TV. In American usage, the computing sense is more dominant.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to stronger tech industry influence on general vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “serialize” in a Sentence
[Subject] serializes [Object] into [Format/Medium][Object] is serialized (by [Subject]) as [Result]It is necessary to serialize [Object] for [Purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “serialize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The developer needs to serialise the configuration object before saving it.
- The BBC decided to serialise the classic novel over six weeks on Radio 4.
- This protocol cannot properly serialise nested data structures.
American English
- We need to serialize this data to JSON for the API call.
- The streaming service will serialize the new drama, releasing one episode per week.
- The framework automatically serializes objects when you call this method.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in IT project discussions regarding data interchange between systems.
Academic
Found in computer science papers on data persistence and network communication.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might appear when discussing TV show releases or tech issues.
Technical
Core term in software development for converting complex data structures into byte streams (e.g., JSON, XML, Protocol Buffers).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “serialize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “serialize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “serialize”
- Confusing 'serialize' with 'cerealize' (not a word).
- Using 'serialize' when 'sequence' or 'schedule' is more appropriate in non-technical contexts.
- Incorrectly using the passive form: 'The data was serialized into' (correct) vs. 'The data serialized into' (incorrect without object).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most precise and common use is in computing, it is also correctly used in publishing and media to mean releasing a story in sequential installments.
'Sequence' is a broader term for putting things in order. 'Serialize' implies a specific technical process (in computing) or a specific narrative release format (in media).
'Deserialize' (or 'unmarshal'), which is the process of reconstructing an object or data structure from its serialized byte stream.
It is a fundamental and high-frequency concept in software development, essential for understanding data persistence, networking, and inter-process communication.
To arrange or process something in a series or sequence, especially to convert data into a format suitable for storage or transmission.
Serialize is usually formal/technical in register.
Serialize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪə.ri.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪr.i.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Serialized for your pleasure”
- “The data doesn't lie, it just needs to be serialized.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CEREAL box with items lined up in a row. SERIAL-IZE means to put things in a numbered order, like episodes in a series or data in a sequence.
Conceptual Metaphor
DATA IS A SOLID OBJECT (that can be flattened for transport and reassembled). NARRATIVE IS A THREAD (that can be cut into sequential segments).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'serialize' LEAST likely to be used correctly?