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

Or, at least have sufficient directional signage and advise people to show up well before show time. —Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

If watering at night, Morton recommends watering only at the soil level—keeping the leaves completely dry—and using a soft-flow setting on your hose with good directional control. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026

Sethi said the company’s aim is to help its customers make the kinds of sophisticated trades and directional bets that otherwise would be available only to professional investors. —Cory Schouten, semafor.com, 14 Apr. 2026

Lightweight, cloud-soft knits and directional staples rendered in seasonal textures (linen, cotton, silk organza). —Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 Apr. 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