'serial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'series', where 'series' meant 'a row or succession'.

'serial' was formed in English in the mid 19th century from 'series' with the adjectival suffix '-al' (influenced by French forms such as 'sériel'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'serial'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to a series' and over time it came to be used both as an adjective describing sequential events and as a noun for works issued in instalments (and informally for people who repeat offenses).