Catalog vs. Catalogue: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Both "catalog" and "catalogue" refer to a list or record of items, but "catalog" is the preferred spelling in American English, while "catalogue" is used in British English.
Key Differences
Catalog is the American English spelling of the word. Catalogue is the British English spelling of the same word.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Catalog is commonly used in the United States in all contexts. Catalogue is preferred in the UK, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Catalog refers to a list or record, often of sale items or collections. Catalogue carries the same meaning, representing a comprehensive list or collection.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Catalog spelling has been simplified in American English over time. Catalogue retains the more traditional spelling, reflecting its French origin.
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Nov 16, 2023
Catalog is used in American publications, both in literature and commerce. Catalogue is often found in British publications and academic contexts.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Shorter, American English variant.
Longer, British English variant.
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Usage in English Variants
Predominant in the United States.
Preferred in the UK and Commonwealth.
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Nov 16, 2023
Meaning
List or record, often for items or collections.
Same meaning, a comprehensive list.
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Nov 16, 2023
Historical Development
Simplified spelling in modern American English.
Retains traditional spelling.
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Nov 16, 2023
Contextual Preference
Used in American literature and commerce.
Common in British academic and commercial texts.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Catalog and Catalogue Definitions
Catalog
Record in a Library
I searched the library's catalog for that rare book.
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Catalogue
Academic Resource Index
I browsed the university's catalogue for relevant courses.
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Catalog
Business Inventory List
Our product catalog has been updated with the latest models.
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Catalogue
Comprehensive Listing
The auction house released a detailed catalogue of the artworks.
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Catalog
List of Items for Sale
The store issued a new catalog for the winter collection.
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Catalogue
Information Compilation
The research project culminated in an extensive catalogue of findings.
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Catalog
Collection Overview
The museum's catalog listed all the new exhibits.
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Catalogue
A list or itemized display, as of titles, course offerings, or articles for exhibition or sale, usually including descriptive information or illustrations.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalog
A list or itemized display, as of titles, course offerings, or articles for exhibition or sale, usually including descriptive information or illustrations.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
A publication, such as a book or pamphlet, containing such a list or display
A catalog of fall fashions.
A seed catalog.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalog
A publication, such as a book or pamphlet, containing such a list or display
A catalog of fall fashions.
A seed catalog.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
To classify (a book or publication, for example) according to a categorical system.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalog
To classify (a book or publication, for example) according to a categorical system.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalog
A book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things;
He found it in the Sears catalog
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
A retailer's magazine detailing the products they sell, allowing the reader to order them for delivery.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalog
A complete list of things; usually arranged systematically;
It does not pretend to be a catalogue of his achievements
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
(US) A book printed periodically by a college, university, or other institution that gives a definitive description of the institution, its history, courses and degrees offered, etc.
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Catalogue
(music) A complete list of a recording artist's or a composer's songs.
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Catalog
Database of Information
The software cataloged all the data efficiently.
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Catalogue
A list or enumeration of names, or articles arranged methodically, often in alphabetical order; as, a catalogue of the students of a college, or of books, or of the stars.
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
A complete list of things; usually arranged systematically;
It does not pretend to be a catalogue of his achievements
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
A book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things;
He found it in the Sears catalog
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Oct 19, 2023
Catalogue
Collection Description
The gallery's catalogue described each piece of art vividly.
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Nov 16, 2023
Catalogue
Retail Product Listing
The new fashion catalogue showcased the latest trends.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is catalogue spelled in British English?
In British English, it's spelled as 'catalogue'.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is a library catalog?
A library catalog is a database of all the books and resources in a library.
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Nov 16, 2023
Is catalogue still used in modern English?
Yes, 'catalogue' is widely used, especially in British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Can catalog and catalogue be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably, but the spelling depends on the variant of English.
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Nov 16, 2023
Does catalog only refer to printed materials?
No, catalog can refer to both printed and digital lists or collections.
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Nov 16, 2023
Which spelling is more common in academic writing?
'Catalogue' is often more common in British academic writing.
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Nov 16, 2023
Is the American spelling of catalogue 'catalog'?
Yes, in American English, it's typically spelled 'catalog'.
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Nov 16, 2023
Are online lists of items also called catalogues?
Yes, online lists, especially in e-commerce, are often referred to as catalogues.
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Nov 16, 2023
Are there any differences in meaning between catalog and catalogue?
No, the meanings are the same; only the spellings differ.
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Nov 16, 2023
How do museums use catalogues?
Museums use catalogues to list and describe their exhibits and collections.
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Nov 16, 2023
How has the use of catalog evolved in American English?
The spelling 'catalog' has been simplified and widely adopted in American English.
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Nov 16, 2023
What is a catalog?
A catalog is a list or record, often used to describe items for sale or collections.
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Nov 16, 2023
Do businesses use the term catalog or catalogue?
Businesses use both, depending on their location and the English variant they follow.
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Nov 16, 2023
Are catalogues important in retail?
Yes, they are crucial for listing and advertising products in retail.
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Nov 16, 2023
Do educational institutions use catalogues?
Yes, educational institutions use catalogues to list courses, materials, and resources.
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Nov 16, 2023
How do catalogs help in libraries?
Catalogs help users find books and resources in a library.
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Nov 16, 2023
Do catalogues only list products for sale?
No, catalogues can list various items, including academic courses, artworks, and more.
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Nov 16, 2023
Can the term catalogue apply to digital collections?
Yes, the term is applicable to both physical and digital collections.
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Nov 16, 2023
Is there a preference for 'catalogue' in publishing?
'Catalogue' is often preferred in British publishing contexts.
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Nov 16, 2023
Can catalogues be considered databases?
Yes, especially in a digital context, catalogues can function as databases.
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Nov 16, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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