directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē 

dī-

: serving to direct

specifically : providing advisory but not compulsory guidance

directory

2 of 2

noun

plural directories

1

a

: a book or collection of directions, rules, or ordinances

b

: an alphabetical or classified list (as of names and addresses)

2

: a body of directors

3

: folder sense 3b

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Also, check to see whether your state has a doula directory, like those in California, Minnesota Oregon and Michigan. —Seun Mauton Ajoseh, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025

The new law imposes a $1,000 daily fine for each device not on the state's directory, totaling $1,244,000. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 10 Dec. 2025

The free public directory is where brands can discover innovative, lower-impact materials and processes—and where suppliers can go to have a safe way to share verified and comparable environmental data. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

In 2003, Zuckerberg, then a sophomore, created Facemash by hacking into Harvard’s online student directories and using the photos to create a site where users could rank students’ attractiveness. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English directorie guide, from Medieval Latin directorium, from neuter of Late Latin directorius directorial, from Latin dirigere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing directory

• directory assistance
• directory enquiries
• ex-directory
• go ex-directory
• phone directory
• sub-directory
• telephone directory

Rhymes for directory

• refectory
• trajectory
• nectary
• rectory
• subdirectory

Kids Definition

directory

noun

di·​rec·​to·​ry

də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē, 

dī-

plural directories

: an alphabetical list containing names and addresses