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

By designing two complementary layers—a tunable optical active layer and a mechanically distinct passive layer—the team created modular actuators capable of diverse motions, from directional movement to secure object gripping. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025

The monochrome images are sometimes backlit, sometimes illuminated by directional light coming from unexpected angles. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025

The directional goal of longevity in academia—or in a company—is to expand [quality of life in our final years]. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headphone is 29% off and built for gamers who don’t want to charge every night, offering days of battery life, crisp directional sound, and a comfy fit that lasts through marathon sessions. —PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 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