Catalog vs. Catalogue — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Catalog and Catalogue mean a list or record of items. The primary difference lies in regional usage: "Catalog" is American English, while "Catalogue" is British English.
Difference Between Catalog and Catalogue
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "Catalog" often frequents American English, depicting a systematic list or a book of items. In contrast, "Catalogue," spelling variant found mainly in British English, denotes essentially the same: a detailed list or a book, perhaps of a collection or available items in a store.
In a library in the United States, one might refer to a “Library Catalog,” which encompasses a systematic list of all the available books and resources. Conversely, in the United Kingdom, a visitor might request assistance using the “Library Catalogue,” adhering to the British spelling and pronunciation, yet referring to the identical systematic list of resources.
When navigating through a digital platform in the U.S., one might explore an “Online Catalog” to locate specific products or resources. On the flip side, in British contexts, an individual might similarly explore an “Online Catalogue” with the same intent and for the same type of itemized digital resource, only with a varied spelling.
A business in the U.S. might distribute a product "Catalog" to share its offerings and information with potential buyers or affiliates. Analogously, a U.K. company would distribute a product “Catalogue,” presenting comparable information and offerings, maintaining differences merely in spelling and regional vernacular.
“Mail-order Catalog” might be a phrase utilized in American contexts to denote a publication of items that can be ordered for delivery. Conversely, “Mail-order Catalogue” would be the phrase of choice in the U.K., signifying precisely the same concept but aligning with the British linguistic norm.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Shorter version
Longer version
Regional Usage
American English
British English
Pronunciation
/ˈkatlˌɔg/
/ˈkatlɒg/
Common Usage
USA, Canada
U.K., Australia
Linguistic Origin
Modern adaptation
Traditional spelling
Compare with Definitions
Catalog
Catalog is a systematic list of items.
The library has an extensive catalog of books.
Catalogue
Catalogue denotes an itemized list for sale items.
The department store released its winter catalogue.
Catalog
Catalog might indicate a digital platform’s listed items.
Users can browse through the online catalog.
Catalogue
Catalogue implies a systematically arranged list or book.
The museum published a catalogue of its artifacts.
Catalog
Catalog implies a systematic collection of data.
Scientists keep a catalog of research findings.
Catalogue
Catalogue indicates a publication listing offered services.
The university's course catalogue is available online.
Catalog
Catalog, in computing, refers to a directory of files.
The software cataloged all the essential files efficiently.
Catalogue
A list or itemized display, as of titles, course offerings, or articles for exhibition or sale, usually including descriptive information or illustrations.
Catalog
Catalog can denote a mail-order business model.
She ordered a dress from a fashion catalog.
Catalogue
A publication, such as a book or pamphlet, containing such a list or display
A catalog of fall fashions.
A seed catalog.
Catalog
A list or itemized display, as of titles, course offerings, or articles for exhibition or sale, usually including descriptive information or illustrations.
Catalogue
A list or enumeration
A catalog of complaints.
Catalog
A publication, such as a book or pamphlet, containing such a list or display
A catalog of fall fashions.
A seed catalog.
Catalogue
A card catalog.
Catalog
A list or enumeration
A catalog of complaints.
Catalogue
To make an itemized list of
Catalog a record collection.
Catalog
A card catalog.
Catalogue
To list or include in a catalog.
Catalog
To make an itemized list of
Catalog a record collection.
Catalogue
To classify (a book or publication, for example) according to a categorical system.
Catalog
To list or include in a catalog.
Catalogue
To make a catalog.
Catalog
To classify (a book or publication, for example) according to a categorical system.
Catalogue
To be listed in a catalog
An item that catalogs for 200 dollars.
Catalog
To make a catalog.
Catalogue
A systematic list of books, names, pictures, etc.
Catalog
To be listed in a catalog
An item that catalogs for 200 dollars.
Catalogue
A complete (usually alphabetical) list of items.
Catalog
(American spelling) catalogue
Catalogue
A list of all the publications in a library.
Catalog
Catalogue.
Catalogue
A retailer's magazine detailing the products they sell, allowing the reader to order them for delivery.
Catalog
A book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things;
He found it in the Sears catalog
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.
Catalog
A complete list of things; usually arranged systematically;
It does not pretend to be a catalogue of his achievements
Catalogue
A directory listing.
Catalog
Make a catalogue, compile a catalogue of something
Catalogue
(music) A complete list of a recording artist's or a composer's songs.
Catalog
Make a catalog of
Catalogue
A series of unwelcome or unpleasant things, often similar.
Catalogue
To put into a catalogue.
Catalogue
To make a catalogue of.
Catalogue
To add items (e.g. books) to an existing catalogue.
Catalogue
(philately) to value or sort stamps using a catalogue
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.
Catalogue
To make a list or catalogue; to insert in a catalogue.
Catalogue
A complete list of things; usually arranged systematically;
It does not pretend to be a catalogue of his achievements
Catalogue
A book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things;
He found it in the Sears catalog
Catalogue
Make a catalog of
Catalogue
Make a catalogue, compile a catalogue of something
Catalogue
Catalogue can mean an extensive, systematic index.
Researchers utilized a catalogue of ancient texts.
Catalogue
Catalogue might suggest a record in literary contexts.
The poet’s catalogue of works was published posthumously.
Common Curiosities
What is a catalog?
A catalog is a systematic list or book of items, used predominantly in American English.
Are catalog and catalogue synonymous?
Yes, catalog and catalogue are synonymous and differ primarily in regional usage.
Are there grammatical differences between catalog and catalogue?
No, the only difference lies in regional spelling preference, not grammar.
Does either term have different meanings in various contexts?
No, catalog and catalogue maintain the same meanings across various contexts.
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
Catalog is considered a more modern spelling, often used in American English.
Is catalogue perceived as incorrect in the USA?
Not incorrect, but catalog is the standard and preferred spelling in the USA.
Can you provide a sentence using catalogue?
Example: “The art exhibition provided a detailed catalogue of all pieces.”
What defines a catalogue?
A catalogue is essentially a systematic list or book of items, common in British English.
Is catalogue used in American English?
Rarely, catalog is preferred in American English, while catalogue is typically British.
Is catalog common in the U.K.?
It’s understood but catalogue is the conventional and preferred spelling.
Are these terms used in academic writing?
Yes, both terms can appear in academic writing, adhering to regional usage.
In what instances might catalog be used in British contexts?
Catalog might appear in specific brand names or international contexts.
Can catalog and catalogue be used interchangeably?
Generally yes, but it is advisable to adhere to regional language norms.
How is catalog used in a sentence?
Example: “I found the book in the library’s online catalog.”
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
