directional

adjective di·rec·tion·al \ -shnəl , -shə-nᵊl \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

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

—

directionality

play \-ˌrek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

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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 of directional from the Web

Queen Rania of Jordan has been on a fashionable roll lately, championing the tea-length skirt (in versions by Reemami and Sara Battaglia) and the directional shirt dress (by All Things Mochi).

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Queen Rania of Jordan Puts A Regal Spin on the Little White Dress," 10 May 2018
Carkeek's team is working on a number of different-sized electric motors for various racing yachts and is looking to develop a range of lifting or retractable propulsion systems as well as directional thrusters.

— rob hodgetts, CNN, "Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom pioneers electric racing yacht," 7 May 2018
That means abusing every advantage—from high ground to rare patches of cover to each mech’s limited directional field of view—is vital to keeping them operational while stomping around out in the open.

— steven strom, Ars Technica, "BattleTech is a more tactical, punishing view of mech battling," 3 May 2018
The mall is currently in the midst of an exterior renovation that includes new LED lighting at the mall’s exterior entrances and upgraded directional and entry signage.

— katherine peralta, charlotteobserver, "Concord Mills adding new stores amid renovation | Charlotte Observer," 30 Apr. 2018
The council agreed to permit two-directional traffic (in and out) at the Civic Center garage driveway, at 1050 Camino del Mar along 10th Street.

— laura groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "How they voted, March 25," 25 Mar. 2018
The mostly directional moves in asset prices early in the quarter -- a steady drop in the dollar’s value, upwardly moving interest rates -- devolved into chaos in its final weeks, which can be just as bad for banks’ trading desks as utter calm.

— liz hoffman, WSJ, "Goldman Sachs Earnings: What to Watch," 16 Apr. 2018
These alternating directional changes in pressure help improve blood flow.

— kim chatelain, NOLA.com, "Clinically dead woman revived in Covington with the help of LUCAS," 16 Apr. 2018
The film, a directional debut for Elijah Bynum, premiered at the South by Southwest film festival and is set to hit theaters on July 27, 2018.

— sara m moniuszko, USA TODAY, "Watch: Timothée Chalamet's next film role is an awkward teenager-turned-weed dealer," 12 Apr. 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.

First Known Use of directional

1842

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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DIRECTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners

directional

adjective

Definition of directional for English Language Learners

: relating to or showing direction
: used for receiving sounds, radio signals, etc., that are coming from a particular direction

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Spanish Central: Translation of directional Nglish: Translation of directional for Spanish speakers

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directional

Definition of directional

directionality

Examples of directional in a Sentence

Recent Examples of directional from the Web

First Known Use of directional

DIRECTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners

directional

Definition of directional for English Language Learners

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Definition of directional

directionality

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First Known Use of directional

DIRECTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners

directional

Definition of directional for English Language Learners

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