Serif is a term used in typography to describe the small decorative lines or flourishes at the end of the strokes that make up the letters in a typeface. Serif fonts are often characterised by their traditional, formal and elegant appearance, and are commonly used in printed materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines. Serifs are believed to aid in the legibility of text by guiding the eye from one letter to the next, creating a more continuous flow. There are many different types of serif fonts, ranging from classic and ornate to more modern and minimalistic designs. Some popular examples of serif fonts include Times New Roman, Garamond and Georgia.

See also sans serif fonts.