dictionary catalog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Library Science
Quick answer
What does “dictionary catalog” mean?
A library catalog in which all entries (author, title, subject, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A library catalog in which all entries (author, title, subject, etc.) are arranged in a single alphabetical sequence.
Any comprehensive, alphabetically arranged list or reference tool; metaphorically, a systematic and exhaustive inventory of items within a specific domain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'catalog' is more common in US English, 'catalogue' in UK English. The compound term itself is identical in professional library terminology.
Connotations
Both variants carry a strong connotation of traditional, pre-digital library science. No significant connotative difference between regions.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher historical frequency in US library literature due to earlier adoption of specific cataloging rules.
Grammar
How to Use “dictionary catalog” in a Sentence
The [library] maintained a dictionary catalog.They consulted the dictionary catalog for [subject].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dictionary catalog” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dictionary-catalogue system was efficient for known-item searches.
- We found it in the dictionary catalog drawer.
American English
- The dictionary-catalog system was efficient for known-item searches.
- We found it in the dictionary catalog drawer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Our CRM is like a dictionary catalog of client interactions.'
Academic
Used in library and information science history and literature.
Everyday
Very rare. Most speakers would simply say 'library catalog' or 'index.'
Technical
Standard, precise term in library science for a specific historical catalog format.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dictionary catalog”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dictionary catalog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dictionary catalog”
- Using it to mean a catalog of dictionaries. Confusing it with a 'classified catalog' (arranged by subject).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'card catalog' refers to the physical medium (cards in drawers). A 'dictionary catalog' refers to the arrangement system (all entries in one A-Z sequence). A card catalog can be a dictionary catalog.
Physically, they are rare. The concept lives on digitally, as most online library catalogs allow integrated alphabetical searching of authors, titles, and subjects, functioning like a digital dictionary catalog.
It can scatter materials on the same subject because subject headings are filed alphabetically among author and title entries, unlike a classified catalog which groups subjects together systematically.
Yes, metaphorically. It can describe any comprehensive, alphabetically arranged list, e.g., 'The appendix acts as a dictionary catalog of all technical terms used in the manual.'
A library catalog in which all entries (author, title, subject, etc.
Dictionary catalog is usually technical/library science in register.
Dictionary catalog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃən(ə)ri ˈkætəlɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri ˈkædəlˌɔɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be a walking dictionary catalog (knowledgeable about many topics).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of looking up WORDS in a DICTIONARY - a DICTIONARY CATALOG lets you look up BOOKS in the same A-to-Z way.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A MAP, but a specific kind: an alphabetical list of locations.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a dictionary catalog?