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

The sport also improves flexibility, agility, and coordination through rapid directional changes, dives, hits and jumps that sharpen reflexes and hand-eye coordination. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025

The TrueStrike controllers include Hall-effect control sticks and a large directional pad. —Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

The full, directional closures will be spread out over four, 54-hour stretches. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025

But by prioritizing equal area, the projection gives up on directional fidelity. —Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025

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