dictionary catalogue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “dictionary catalogue” mean?
A library catalogue where entries are arranged in alphabetical order by author, title, or subject, similar to the arrangement of a dictionary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A library catalogue where entries are arranged in alphabetical order by author, title, or subject, similar to the arrangement of a dictionary.
A systematic, alphabetically-ordered list of items, typically books or resources, used for reference and retrieval. In modern contexts, it can refer metaphorically to any comprehensive, alphabetized reference list.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'catalogue' is standard in British English, while 'catalog' is the common American spelling. The compound term itself is used in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a traditional, pre-digital method of organizing library holdings. It may imply a physical card catalogue.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Slightly more common in British English due to the preservation of the '-ogue' spelling. In American library science, 'dictionary catalog' is the standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “dictionary catalogue” in a Sentence
The [Library] maintains a dictionary catalogue.To find [Item], consult the dictionary catalogue.The dictionary catalogue lists [Items] alphabetically.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dictionary catalogue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The collection was painstakingly dictionary-catalogued by the archivist.
- We need to dictionary-catalogue these new acquisitions.
American English
- The librarian dictionary-cataloged the entire special collection.
- They decided to dictionary-catalog the holdings for easier author access.
adverb
British English
- The entries were arranged dictionary-catalogue style.
- It was filed dictionary-catalogue, under the author's surname.
American English
- The records were organized dictionary-catalog fashion.
- Items are listed dictionary-catalog, by title.
adjective
British English
- They adopted a dictionary-catalogue system.
- The dictionary-catalogue approach is now obsolete.
American English
- The dictionary-catalog format was the standard for decades.
- We found an old dictionary-catalog drawer in the basement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for an alphabetized client or product list.
Academic
Primary context. Used in library science, history of information, and archival studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Most people would simply say 'library catalogue' or 'card catalogue'.
Technical
Standard term in library and information science to describe a specific cataloguing methodology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dictionary catalogue”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dictionary catalogue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dictionary catalogue”
- Using it as a synonym for any library catalogue.
- Misspelling as 'dictionary catalog' in British contexts or 'dictionary catalogue' in American technical writing where 'catalog' is preferred.
- Confusing it with a 'dictionary' that defines cataloguing terms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'card catalogue' refers to the physical medium (cards in drawers). A 'dictionary catalogue' refers to the arrangement (alphabetical interfiling). A card catalogue can be arranged as a dictionary catalogue, but it could also be a classified catalogue on cards.
As physical systems, they are largely obsolete, replaced by Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs). However, the underlying principle of alphabetically searchable author, title, and subject fields is the foundation of most online library search interfaces.
Its main advantage is simplicity for the user, who needs to know only the alphabet and the specific author, title, or subject term to locate an entry in a single search sequence.
Its major drawback is the separation of related subject materials. Books on 'canine psychology' and 'dog training' would be filed under C and D respectively, preventing a user from easily browsing all works on dogs in one place.
A library catalogue where entries are arranged in alphabetical order by author, title, or subject, similar to the arrangement of a dictionary.
Dictionary catalogue is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Dictionary catalogue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃ(ə)n(ə)ri ˈkætəlɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri ˈkædəlˌɔɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not in the dictionary catalogue (meaning: something is obscure or unrecorded).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DICTIONARY where you look up words in A-Z order. A DICTIONARY CATALOGUE is where you look up books in the same A-Z order.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIBRARY IS A BOOK; its catalogue is the index. A DICTIONARY CATALOGUE IS AN ALPHABETICAL MAP of the library's contents.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a dictionary catalogue?