# serif

/sˈɛɹɪf/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/serif
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a small extra line at the end of a letter shape in some fonts. You can see them as the little feet on letters in Times New Roman.

For teachers: a small stroke or line that finishes the main part of a letter, as seen in typefaces such as Times New Roman. Often contrasted with sans-serif designs, which lack these finishing strokes.

## Examples

- This font has small serifs on each letter.
- The editor chooses a serif font for the book because the small strokes help the eye move across long paragraphs.
- The designer pairs a classic serif headline with a clean sans-serif text to balance tradition and modern clarity on the cover.

## Usage notes

- Commonly contrasted with 'sans-serif'; often used attributively in 'serif font' or 'serif typeface'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.