directional

1 of 2

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

directionality

2 of 2

noun

di·​rec·​tion·​al·​i·​ty də̇ˌrekshəˈnalətē 

(ˌ)dīˌ-

plural -es

1

: the property of directional selectivity or precision

a scintillation counter was devised in such a fashion as to give a directionality of fifteen degrees and adequate sensitivity

—Surgical Forum

2

: maintenance of direction

among these properties is that of directionality

—C. K. Kluckhohn

Examples of directional in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Astaire’s dance steps are always directional, carrying him somewhere and toward something—the girl, the boat, the park bench. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Michigan avoided what would have been one of the most embarrassing losses in program history to the directional school after Bryce Underwood connected with wide receiver JJ Buchanan on a Hail Mary for a 13-12 victory. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

The first, which takes design cues from the Multichron Pilot that Gallet introduced in 1969, showcases a 42 mm case, a bi-directional bezel, a telemeter scale, and a date window. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

When robot arms undergo rapid directional shifts and accelerations up to 10 g, this internal steel cable absorbs the primary tensile loads. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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