serif

[ ser-if ]

noun

, Printing.

1. a smaller line used to finish off a main stroke of a letter, as at the top and bottom of M.

serif

/ ˈsɛrɪf /

noun

1. printing a small line at the extremities of a main stroke in a type character

Word History and Origins

Origin of serif¹

1835–45; perhaps < Dutch schreef line (in writing), akin to schrijven to write

Word History and Origins

Origin of serif¹

C19: perhaps from Dutch schreef dash, probably of Germanic origin, compare Old High German screvōn to engrave

Example Sentences

This time she wrote her messages in a childlike sans serif that a designer friend of the artist later turned into a custom font, for more efficient printing.

From Los Angeles Times

With its straight hairline serifs and high degree of contrast between thick and thin strokes, Bodoni has an elegant literary appearance.

From New York Times

The big divide in the world of typeface is between serif, or letters with small lines or tails attached to their edges, and sans serif, letters without those lines that have a smoother look.

From New York Times

It’s also got a clean, inviting design — complete with custom composer portraits and spiffy serif typography — and an easy, intuitive interface.

From Washington Post

Homes around it got fresh paint, sans serif house numbers and were flipped for $1 million and more.

From Washington Post