'catalogue' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'katalogos', where 'kata-' meant 'down' or 'according to' and 'logos' meant 'word' or 'list'.

'catalogue' passed into Late Latin as 'catalogus', then into Old French/Medieval Latin, and finally entered Middle English as 'catalogue', evolving into modern English 'catalogue' (UK) and 'catalog' (US).

Initially, it meant 'a list' or 'register', and over time the meaning has remained largely consistent, developing extended senses related to organizing and describing items.