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

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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

Some types of sperm get directional information from sensing single molecules. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Big transistor senses the arrival of a single molecule," 29 Oct. 2018 The number features multi-directional stripes and a matching sash belt at the waist. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Wears a Striped Martin Grant Dress in Tonga," 25 Oct. 2018 The streamlined frock carried over some of the Obama style DNA—a fluid fit and wide, cinched belt—but modernized it with directional touches, such as a fringed panel and Grecian-inspired slit. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Michelle Obama Reminds Us That She’s Still a Style Icon," 11 Oct. 2018 During the war, Singer produced components for the Sperry T-1 bomb sight, B-29 bomber gunfire control computers, directional gyro and artificial horizon instruments, and automatic pilot parts. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "When the Singer Sewing Machine Company Built the Best .45 Pistol Ever Made," 21 Sep. 2018 Microsoft’s controller, which will cost $100 when it’s released later this year, does away with things like directional pads, triggers, and the standard A/B/Y/X buttons. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "Microsoft Opens Up the Video Game World to Millions of Disabled Players," 17 May 2018 Openers Wolf Eyes are heavily indebted to Suicide’s approach, and will be experimenting live with directional, ultrasonic parametric speakers at Empty Bottle. — Steve Krakow, Chicago Reader, "Synthpunk pioneer Martin Rev and trip metal explorers Wolf Eyes bring transgressive sounds to Chicago," 25 May 2018 Ball State There are no easy wins for Ball State in the West division of the Mid-American Conference; instead, Ball State has become the easy win for Toledo, Northern Illinois and the directional Michigan schools. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "College football's last-placed teams headed for better things in 2018 season," 3 Apr. 2018 For your next organic dry, a bit of directional finger-raking will take the look to the next level. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Gigi Hadid Has a Fresh New Take on Beach Waves for the City," 21 June 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.