Is 'card index' the same as 'index card'?

No. A 'card index' is the complete filing system (the box/drawer and its organized contents). An 'index card' is a single, blank card used within such a system or for notes.

Do people still use card indexes today?

Rarely, and mostly in specific niches. Some archivists, collectors, or very small traditional organizations might maintain them. They are largely obsolete, replaced by databases.

What's the difference between 'card index' and 'card catalogue'?

They are largely synonymous. 'Card catalogue' is strongly associated with libraries. 'Card index' is a more general term that can be used for any type of information (e.g., client details, research notes).

Can 'card index' be used as a verb?

Yes, though less common. To 'card-index' something means to systematically record it on cards and file them in an index (e.g., 'The specimens were card-indexed by genus').

Is “card index” formal?

Card index is usually formal, technical, historical in register.

How do you pronounce “card index”?

Card index: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd ˌɪn.deks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrd ˌɪn.deks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

card index: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈkɑːd ˌɪn.deks/US/ˈkɑːrd ˌɪn.deks/

Formal, Technical, Historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “card index” mean?

A physical system for storing information using small cards arranged in a specific order, typically in drawers or boxes.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A physical system for storing information using small cards arranged in a specific order, typically in drawers or boxes.

Any systematic catalog or database, often historical or analogue, used to organize references, library holdings, or records. Can metaphorically refer to organized mental memory.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both terms are used and understood. 'Card index' is slightly more common in UK English. In US English, 'card catalog' (especially for library contexts) and 'card file' are frequent alternatives.

Connotations

In both varieties, it connotes organization, manual systems, and pre-digital era research. No significant difference in connotation.

Frequency

Frequency has declined significantly in both varieties with digitalization. Remains in use within specific fields like archival studies, library history, and certain administrative contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “card index” in a Sentence

search [PREP] the card indexrefer to the card indexlook something up in the card indexorganize the card index [by/according to DATE/NAME/SUBJECT]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

consult a card indexmaintain a card indexlibrary card indexalphabetical card index

medium

search through the card indexoutdated card indexphysical card indexdrawer of the card index

weak

comprehensive card indexmanual card indexcentral card indexextensive card index

Examples

Examples of “card index” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The records were meticulously card-indexed by the archivist.
We need to card-index these new acquisitions.

American English

The librarian card-indexed all the periodicals.
He spent the summer card-indexing the collection.

adjective

British English

They used a card-index system for the patient records.
The card-index drawer was jammed.

American English

She found it in the card-index file.
They maintained a card-index catalog.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might refer to legacy systems for customer records or parts inventory in very traditional settings.

Academic

Used in historical, library, or archival studies to describe pre-digital research tools.

Everyday

Rare. Used by older generations or when referring to old-fashioned home organization (e.g., recipe cards).

Technical

Used precisely in library science, information management history, and museum studies.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “card index”

Strong

card catalogue card file

Neutral

card catalogue card filefiling system

Weak

index catalogue registerdatabase (digital context)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “card index”

digital databaseonline cataloguecloud storagedisorganized pile

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “card index”

Using 'card index' to refer to a digital database (anachronistic).
Confusing with 'index card' (a single card).
Misspelling as 'cardindex' (should be two words).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. A 'card index' is the complete filing system (the box/drawer and its organized contents). An 'index card' is a single, blank card used within such a system or for notes.
: Rarely, and mostly in specific niches. Some archivists, collectors, or very small traditional organizations might maintain them. They are largely obsolete, replaced by databases.
: They are largely synonymous. 'Card catalogue' is strongly associated with libraries. 'Card index' is a more general term that can be used for any type of information (e.g., client details, research notes).
: Yes, though less common. To 'card-index' something means to systematically record it on cards and file them in an index (e.g., 'The specimens were card-indexed by genus').
: A physical system for storing information using small cards arranged in a specific order, typically in drawers or boxes.
: Card index is usually formal, technical, historical in register.
: Card index: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd ˌɪn.deks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrd ˌɪn.deks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[Someone] is a walking card index.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a library INDEX stored on CARDS. CARD + INDEX = organized paper database.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE MIND IS A CARD INDEX (an organized store of retrievable information).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before the digital age, students would have to search the library's to find the call number for a book.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a 'card index'?