directional

adjective di·rec·tion·al \ -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

—

directionality

play \-ˌrek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

See directional defined for English-language learners

See directional defined for kids

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

Directional signage, which will show the way to downtown if heading south for instance, is also being added on station platform floors behind the yellow tactile strips that indicate riders should stay back from the edge.

— eric d. lawrence, Detroit Free Press, "Get ready to say good-bye to the free QLINE rides in Detroit," 27 Aug. 2017
Horizontal directional drilling is a method of pipeline construction that involves drilling a lateral bore through the bedrock to avoid the nuisance of having to excavate a trench to bury the pipe.

— andrew maykuth, Philly.com, "Environmental groups say Sunoco pipeline settlement provides 'meaningful' public protections," 9 Aug. 2017
The head-up display projected current speed, navigation directional arrows, posted speed limit, and more onto the windshield.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "BMW adds M550i xDrive model to the 5-Series sedan line for 2017," 4 Aug. 2017
The designer is bringing her colorful, directional line to Browns this summer in an exclusive capsule that includes a wonderfully large straw hat and sculptural wicker basket that doesn’t look like it was ripped from an old photo of Jane Birkin.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "Rosie Assoulin’s Capsule for Browns Makes Me Like Straw Bags Again," 20 July 2017
Innovation 2: Slip-Plane Motion Another element showing up in helmets these days is a multi-directional impact system (a.k.a.

— tim newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "A lot goes into safeguarding your melon.," 14 July 2017
The Tibi spring collection, filled with power-sleeve tops and other directional separates, is now marked down 70 percent.

— alison s. cohn, New York Times, "A Week of Pop-Ups, Sales and Other Shopping Events," 12 July 2017
For a casual concrete or treadmill runner looking to get started on trails, Mallach recommends joining a group such as the Lapham Peak Trail Runners for moral and directional support.

— chelsey lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "6 ways to get exercise in the great outdoors," 11 July 2017
For clearer phone calls, the four noise-cancelling microphones with directional audio capture work to eliminate background noise.

— Fortune, "Amazon Prime Day Has Some Insanely Good Tech Deals," 10 July 2017

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

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

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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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directional

Definition of directional

directionality

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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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