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.

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

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2023

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

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 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

Students—at least those in the mortal world—attend Baxter High, a school that time forgot where there are still chalkboards, rows of classic desks, and a library complete with card catalog.

From Slate • Nov. 21, 2018

Etienne helped Hugo navigate the card catalog so he could find the book he needed and then brought him to the correct shelf.

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick

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