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

The Wisconsin Ethics Commission's online records show Altria Client Services — whose affiliate NJOY has 17 products approved on the state directory — did lobby on the bill. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Krolikowski is not listed in Rowan County's staff directory on its website, although search engine results list him as a military skills instructor. —Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Oct. 2025

Contractors who participate in the FORTIFIED program get certified, and there’s a directory available on the site. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

Meet the Detroit Free Press staff Check out the Detroit Free Press newsroom directory to get to know our staff, led by top editor Nicole Avery Nichols. —Detroit Free Press, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 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