card index

American  

noun

1. a file or catalog consisting of cards on which information has been entered so that desired items or data can be readily found.

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card index British  

noun

1. an index in which each item is separately listed on systematically arranged cards

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verb

1. (tr) to make such an index of (a book)

Etymology

Origin of card index

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

The letters poured in and Baxter set up a complicated card index system so children would get personal replies rather than a formatted letter.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

Despite her closeness to the party, her membership was never processed; Rathkolb was unable to find her in the party’s card index in Berlin.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2021

His secret was a fantastic card index system of his own, going back to the 1930s, stored in shoe boxes.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2014

Senior officials said some assets were on databases, but others were held on a separate card index, or even on handwritten inventories held only in specific historic properties.

From The Guardian • Aug. 9, 2010

I'd say She never heard of a card index.

From The Man in the Twilight by Cullum, Ridgwell