directional

adjective

di·​rec·​tion·​al də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or indicating direction in space:

a

: suitable for detecting the direction from which radio signals come or for sending out radio signals in one direction only

a directional antenna

b

: operating most effectively in a particular direction

a directional microphone

2

: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort

directionality

di-ˌrek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of directional in a Sentence

We work with maps to improve the students' directional skills.

the directional signal lights on an automobile

The radio has a directional antenna.

Recent Examples on the Web

Modern hearing aids have some ability to compensate, by using directional microphones and conventional noise cancellation. — David Owen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

For directional accuracy, its use of straight rather than curved lines of longitude make land masses closer to the poles appear much larger than those nearer the equator. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026

Michigan avoided what would have been one of the most embarrassing losses in program history to the directional school after Bryce Underwood connected with wide receiver JJ Buchanan on a Hail Mary for a 13-12 victory. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

The first, which takes design cues from the Multichron Pilot that Gallet introduced in 1969, showcases a 42 mm case, a bi-directional bezel, a telemeter scale, and a date window. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for directional

• affectional
• correctional
• inflectional
• bidirectional
• intersectional
• multidirectional
• omnidirectional
• unidirectional
• sectional

Kids Definition

directional

adjective

di·​rec·​tion·​al də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

dī-

1

: relating to or indicating direction

directional signal lights on an automobile

2

: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort