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
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
Surgical Forum2
: maintenance of direction
among these properties is that of directionality—C. K. Kluckhohn
C. K. KluckhohnExamples 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
Utkarsh Sood
june 16,
New Atlas,
16 June 2026
Tools that track search activity can provide a directional view of how many people are actively looking for a specific service in your area.
—
Matthew Nigro,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cities are even asked to ensure the FIFA names for the venues are used for all local directional signage from at least 14 days prior to the opening match, while the usual stadium name is not to be used in governmental communications.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The leads can be overwrought, shouting lines across the stage while the Gothic-style doorways, sharp directional lighting and ooh-ahh practical effects do their complicated dance.
—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directional
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Adjective
Power is sent through a six-speed gearbox equipped with a bi-directional quickshifter.
—
Utkarsh Sood
june 16,
New Atlas,
16 June 2026
Tools that track search activity can provide a directional view of how many people are actively looking for a specific service in your area.
—
Matthew Nigro,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cities are even asked to ensure the FIFA names for the venues are used for all local directional signage from at least 14 days prior to the opening match, while the usual stadium name is not to be used in governmental communications.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The leads can be overwrought, shouting lines across the stage while the Gothic-style doorways, sharp directional lighting and ooh-ahh practical effects do their complicated dance.
—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directional
Cite this Entry
“Directional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directional. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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