card catalog

noun

1. a file of cards of uniform size arranged in some definite order and listing the items in the collection of a library or group of libraries, each card typically identifying a single item.

Word History and Origins

Origin of card catalog¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

After a day of reviewing cookbooks and recipes from competent, contemporary cooks, I find myself scrolling toward something stranger: accounts that operate like a digital card catalog of retro culinary horror and delight.

From Salon

The area was chock-full of things—not only books but old files, card catalogs, leather map tubes, gramophones and older news-box editions, dusty albums, photographs, and so on—displayed in glass.

From Literature

The jury threw not just the book at him, but the entire library, including the shelves and the card catalog:

From Salon

"We show that there is basically a card catalog available," Heath added.

From Science Daily

Nervously, I looked around as I gathered the courage to walk over to the card catalog.

From Seattle Times