card index

noun

1. a file or catalog consisting of cards on which information has been entered so that desired items or data can be readily found.

card index

noun

1. an index in which each item is separately listed on systematically arranged cards

verb

1. tr to make such an index of (a book)

Word History and Origins

Origin of card index¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Despite her closeness to the party, her membership was never processed; Rathkolb was unable to find her in the party’s card index in Berlin.

From New York Times

In the beginning, I would head for the children’s library, in the back, open the card index, which listed books by subject, and explore ghosts or magic, time travel or space.

From New York Times

I have three card indexes, organised by name, place and topic.

From The Guardian

In some ways, Spotlight is a paean to journalism’s archaic methods, as it lovingly dwells on microfiches, card indexes, picture folders and clippings files.

From The Guardian

His secret was a fantastic card index system of his own, going back to the 1930s, stored in shoe boxes.

From BBC