English Reference
noun · verb

catalog

n. · v.
US /ˈkætəɫɔɡ/ cat·a·log UK spelling catalogs, catalogue

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate American English

    n.a book or digital list that shows all the things you can buy or find in a place.

    n.a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or other systematic order.

    Simple

    I spent the evening looking through the clothing catalog to find a new winter coat.

    In context

    The library's digital catalog allows students to search for rare manuscripts across several different campus locations simultaneously.

    Usage

    In American English, 'catalog' is the standard spelling, whereas 'catalogue' is preferred in British English.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced American EnglishFormal

    n.a long list of bad things that have happened.

    n.a series of typically unpleasant events or occurrences.

    Simple

    The report described a catalog of errors that led to the accident.

    In context

    The investigation revealed a catalog of systemic failures within the department that had gone unaddressed for over a decade.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    v.to record things in a list so they are easy to find later.

    v.to classify and record items in a systematic list.

    Simple

    It took the museum months to catalog all the new artifacts.

    In context

    The researchers spent the summer cataloging every plant species found in the valley to create a comprehensive database for future study.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated