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

These plants usually need some twine or wire and directional support on the climbing structure until they are well established. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

All figures should be understood as directional estimates subject to pending IRS guidance, the scope of retroactive relief and the June 29 hearing outcome. —Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

The first step to directional living is understanding what doesn’t feel right in your life. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 May 2026

These are associations across multiple studies, not clinical guarantees, but the directional signal is consistent. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 20 May 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