Catalogue: Definition, Usage & Key Differences

Meaning 1：itemized list (catalogue)

catalogue 🔊

/ˈkæt.əl.ɒɡ/

A complete list that shows all the things available in a place, like books in a library or products in a store, so you can easily find what you need.

Catalogue definition illustrated: person browsing a detailed printed item list in a library

itemized list 🔊

➕

/ˈaɪ.tə.maɪzd lɪst/

A systematic and complete list of items, such as books or products, often organized to facilitate finding them.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'kata-' (down, completely) + 'legein' (to say, to count).

💡 Mnemonic

A CAT keeps a LOG of all its toys. A catalogue is a complete log.

📖 Example

Before going to the library, Sarah checked the online catalogue to see if they had the new science book. 🔊 Before visiting the library, Sarah looked up the online catalogue to check for the availability of the new science book.

🔗 Collocations

product catalogue – A booklet or website listing items for sale.

library catalogue – A system for finding books and materials in a library.

mail-order catalogue – A printed or digital catalogue from which goods can be ordered by post.

🔄 Synonyms

directory (n.) – A book or list of individuals or organizations with details.

inventory (n.) – A complete list of items such as property, goods, or stock.

register (n.) – An official list or record of names or items.

🌱 Derivatives

cataloguer (n.) – A person who compiles catalogues.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'catalogus' and Greek 'katalogos' (a list, register). The concept of a systematic list was crucial in ancient libraries like Alexandria. Today, it's vital for online shopping and digital libraries.