card catalog

American

noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of card catalog

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Sep. 23, 2025

A different "card catalog" is required for different antigens.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2023

There is an old card catalog Offill lugged home one day as a present for her husband, and a chalkboard marking planting dates for his sugar snap peas and baby bok choy.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2020

I hate computers for replacing the card catalog in the New York Public Library and I hate the way they’ve invaded the movies.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023