Word
cataloging
Phoneticscat·a·loging
/ˈkætəɫɑɡɪŋ/
UK spelling · cataloguing
Definition
v. making a systematic list of things, like books in a library or items in a collection. It helps people find exactly what they are looking for later.
v. the present participle of 'catalog'; refers to the systematic classification and recording of items in a collection. Often involves assigning metadata or identification numbers to ensure retrieval.
Examples
“She is cataloging the new books for the school library.”
“The museum staff spent the entire summer cataloging thousands of ancient coins found during the recent excavation.”
“By meticulously cataloging every specimen found in the rainforest, the researchers created a database that proved vital for future conservation efforts.”
Examples
simple
“She is cataloging the new books for the school library.”
contextual
“The museum staff spent the entire summer cataloging thousands of ancient coins found during the recent excavation.”
complex
“By meticulously cataloging every specimen found in the rainforest, the researchers created a database that proved vital for future conservation efforts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cataloging” in context.
Verb
01. automate cataloging
“New software helps automate cataloging for large inventory sets.”
verb + verb
02. cataloging involves
“Professional cataloging involves assigning specific metadata to each item.”
verb + verb
03. cataloging requires
“Accurate cataloging requires a high level of attention to detail.”
verb + verb
04. standardize cataloging
“Libraries aim to standardize cataloging to share data more effectively.”
verb + verb
Adjective
05. digital cataloging
“The museum transitioned to digital cataloging to improve accessibility.”
adj + verb
06. systematic cataloging
“Systematic cataloging of the archives is essential for future research.”
adj + verb
Noun
07. method of cataloging
“They adopted a new method of cataloging to handle the influx of books.”
noun + prep + verb
08. process of cataloging
“The process of cataloging the entire collection took several months.”
noun + prep + verb
09. begin the task of cataloging
“The team will begin the task of cataloging the donated artifacts tomorrow.”
10. responsible for cataloging
“The head librarian is responsible for cataloging all new acquisitions.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. This spelling is the American English variant; British English typically uses 'cataloguing'.
Pitfall
He is cataloging about the files.
He is cataloging the files.
Cataloging is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition like 'about' before the object.
Real-World Examples
“Friendly though, and not unintelligent.”
The library estimates that cataloguing the 68 boxes will take up to two years.” Etymology
Derived from the noun 'catalog', which comes from the Old French 'catalogue'. This ultimately traces back to the Greek 'katalogos', meaning a list or enrollment. The suffix '-ing' was added to form the present participle in English.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cataloging