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

According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, advance-booking directional data show a notable decline in transatlantic travel demand for summer 2026. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

In the same way, atoms under the influence of a gravitational wave produce a directional pattern in their emitted light. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026

But while gold's meteoric rise has been impressive, the precious metal's trajectory hasn't exactly been one-directional. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Large multi-strategy platforms, which spread risk across multiple trading styles, have so far held up better than more directional funds. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Mar. 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