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

This unique propagation gives rise to wave trajectories with directional rotation, or handedness, which dictates whether paths rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

From polished and ladylike to more relaxed and directional, the skirt felt like the foundation of the spring wardrobe, signaling a shift toward more intentional, feminine dressing. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

To capitalize on this elevated volatility while maintaining a bullish long-term stance, traders can structure a unique strategy that collects time decay to finance a directional bet. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Yet Frenchman Flat does provide some directional cues toward a safer future. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 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