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

Such a directional initiative results from the volatility of international markets and hurdles faced by global supply chains. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025

The Play and Menu buttons, along with a directional pad featuring a center confirmation button, are arranged in a column to the right of the LCD. —PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 2025

Loeb has been broadly constructive on markets this year, so the bearish options stance is likely a portfolio hedge rather than a directional call. —Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2025

The Jones Howler, a directional ripper, was our top-scoring board of the test for both male and female testers, our Editors’ Choice award winner, and perhaps (and this is a heavy claim) our favorite snowboard of all time. —Drew Zieff, Outside, 7 Nov. 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