directional

adjective

di·rec·tion·al | \ də-ˈrek-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl\

Definition of directional

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

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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

Besides directional stability, another jet-drive issue has been the tendency for the pumps to clog with detritus in the water. — Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics, "Testing the Yamaha 210 FSH: The Boat That Blew Up the Formula," 31 Aug. 2018 The dampers are active ones from Magneride, and there's also four-wheel steering for added agility at low speed and better directional stability at higher ones. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The GTC4Lusso T is a Ferrari you really could drive every day," 23 July 2018 Wood recommends under-cabinet LED lights and directional sconces, all dimmable. — Kim Cook, The Seattle Times, "The latest innovations for kitchen islands," 19 Feb. 2019 The summer couture from Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino was magical, directional, and just so smart. — Vogue, "Vogue Editors Share Their Favorite Fashion Shows of the Year," 28 Dec. 2018 And today, Jenner proved her magic touch extended onto the streets in a directional take on the traditional trouser suit. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Kendall Jenner Gives a Bossy Spin to Next Season’s Signature Shade," 26 Sep. 2018 Investors use options to hedge or make directional bets on portfolios. — Gunjan Banerji, WSJ, "Volatility Signal Flashes Red, Even as Stocks Rebound," 8 Jan. 2019 Her Majesty ditched the dress’s streamlined silhouette and made her ensemble directional by tucking it into her ladylike culottes. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Yes, Even Queen Rania Shops at Zara," 11 Dec. 2018 The directional approach to radiation detection also allows the person measuring an area to distinguish between multiple sources of radiation in an area, as well as determine the shape and size of a potentially large area that's emitting radiation. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "“Lighthouse Detector” can distinguish between many sources of radiation," 9 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'directional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.