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

The idea also arises from the notion that history is linear, directional, even providential. —Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025

Eight are arranged around the waist, while two more provide directional pull to the torso, limbs, and even the head. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

Prada’s ruffle back and balloon skirts felt directional. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

Relationships between them were encoded as either one- or bi-directional edges. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 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