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

When working with large ecosystems of code, define explicit directory structures. —Joe Toscano, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

The malware installs itself inside a folder that mimics a Microsoft Edge cache directory. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Gamestop’s official store directory showed many California stores closed all week. —Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026

During his more than 40 years of practice, Wilhite has repeatedly been recognized for his work and expertise in family law, as well as in family mediation and arbitration, according to websites for his law firm, Fullenweider Wilhite, and the peer-review directory Best Lawyers. —Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026

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