directional

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

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Examples: directional in a Sentence

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

So far she's already won us over in a directional Roland Mouret dress and sharp black suiting.

— chrissy rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle's Trusted Friend/ Stylist Advised on Her Ireland Wardrobe," 11 July 2018
Usually this means combining a button press with a specific directional input, or holding an attack instead of tapping it for a different result.

— andrew webster, The Verge, "Pocket Rumble for the Nintendo Switch channels the best portable fighters," 6 July 2018
To be clear, this does not affect whether players can implement a directional compass (the kind used to gauge wind direction).

— kevin casey, USA TODAY, "USGA rules that Bryson DeChambeau can't use drawing compass on golf course," 6 July 2018
Public Works Director Stephen Kline said the contractor will restripe all of the garage’s 1,040 spaces and directional arrows and other pavement markings.

— allan vought, The Aegis, "Bel Air approves contracts for parking garage striping, Armory security upgrades," 22 June 2018
According to the National Ocean Service, since sound waves travel well underwater and are highly directional, many animals use sounds for communication, orientation and navigation, and to find prey and mate.

— andrea diaz, CNN, "These sharks will take Ellington over Mozart any day," 18 May 2018
Zeinali tells Vogue of Sivan, who collaborated with makeup artist James Kaliardos and hairstylist Jawara for his parade of directional beauty moments.

— lauren valenti, Vogue, "Let Troye Sivan's "Bloom" Video Be Your Pride Month Makeup Inspiration," 6 June 2018
If approved, the changes would be the most substantial since the city's setup creating five directional neighborhoods - North, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast -- was approved in 1931.

— andrew theen, OregonLive.com, "Plan to shift thousands of addresses to 'South Portland' heads to City Council," 30 May 2018
Though there is a school of thought, advanced by a York University psychology professor, that evolution plays a part in this difference — with the survival of hunter-gatherer males depending on their directional skills — Liben disagrees.

— NBC News, "54 students are in the National Geographic Bee finals. Just 4 are girls.," 20 May 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.