catalog

/ˈkætəlɒɡ/
nounIntermediate
formal

A systematic list of items, often arranged in categories, typically used for reference or selection purposes.

The library maintains a detailed catalog of all its books.

The online store provides a searchable catalog of products.

💡

The term can refer to both physical and digital listings.

informal

A collection of items, such as products or services, presented for selection or reference.

She browsed the catalog for the latest fashion trends.

The catalog includes a variety of electronic gadgets.

💡

Often used in retail or e-commerce contexts.

Collocations

browse the catalogto look through a catalogupdate the catalogto revise or add to a catalogsearch the catalogto look for items in a catalog

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

catalog shoppingphrase
shopping by selecting items from a catalog
catalog numberphrase
a unique identifier assigned to an item in a catalog

💡Pro Tip

Spelling Difference

Remember that 'catalog' is the preferred spelling in American English, while 'catalogue' is more common in British English.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Use 'catalog' when referring to a systematic list of items, whether physical or digital.

📖Word Origin

From the Greek 'katalogos' (κατάλογος), meaning 'a list, register,' from 'kata-' (down) + 'legein' (to speak).

📝Usage Notes

The term is commonly used in retail, libraries, and digital platforms. In American English, 'catalog' is the standard spelling, while British English often uses 'catalogue.'

Word Breakdown

cat-
down, according to
prefix
+
-alog
speaking, talking
root
+
-ue
suffix forming nouns
suffix
English Dictionary