Catalog vs. Catalogue
“Catalog” is the standard US spelling and “catalogue” is the standard UK spelling for the corresponding noun and verb. The distinction is primarily regional spelling; retain the form required by the intended variety or established name.
“Catalog” is the standard US spelling and “catalogue” is the standard UK spelling for the corresponding noun and verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| US spelling of the noun/verb | catalog | use in US-oriented prose |
| UK spelling of the corresponding noun/verb | catalogue | use in UK-oriented prose |
Quick tests
Regional-style test
Is the document following US English spelling?
If yes: Use “catalog.”
If no: Use “catalogue” when UK spelling is required or preferred.
Caveat: The two spellings normally represent the same word; follow house style and preserve official titles.
Examples
The museum published a new catalog.
“Catalog” is standard US spelling.
The museum published a new catalogue.
“Catalogue” is standard UK spelling.
Do not alternate between “catalog” and “catalogue” without a style reason.
Consistency is the practical editorial decision.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Catalog” is the standard US spelling and “catalogue” is the standard UK spelling for the corresponding noun and verb.
Fast Test
Choose the form that matches the intended meaning, grammatical role, and documented regional convention; do not treat a standard regional variant as an error.
Variant Boundary
The distinction is primarily regional spelling; retain the form required by the intended variety or established name.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- CATALOG — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · US spelling of “catalogue”
- CATALOGUE — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · UK spelling “catalogue”; US “catalog”