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

George, despite being on anesthesia, still had the directional sense to return to his owner and his home miles away. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025

Tibi belted tote bag—a street style hit—and oversized Thistles sunglasses (a Jennifer Lawrence favorite) for a relaxed look that reads equal part directional and carefree. —Lara Oliveri, Vogue, 15 May 2025

Getting New England fans excited about playing directional schools in the Midwest will be a challenge. —Matt Baker, New York Times, 14 May 2025

The inability to give a directional answer to these questions is a manifestation of uncertainty. —William Dunkelberg, Forbes, 14 Mar. 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