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

Even rough or directional data is better than chasing false precision. —Liam Wade, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

In games, and with the click of a button to switch to the Esports mode, footsteps sounded loud and prominent, and the directional audio felt like a distinct advantage. —Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 July 2025

The programmable backpack simply adds directional control without harming the beetle or shortening its lifespan. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025

Acknowledgment provides directional feedback and tells people that this is what matters here, this is what good looks like—keep going. —Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 28 July 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