directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē 

dī-

: serving to direct

specifically : providing advisory but not compulsory guidance

directory

2 of 2

noun

plural directories

1

a

: a book or collection of directions, rules, or ordinances

b

: an alphabetical or classified list (as of names and addresses)

2

: a body of directors

3

: folder sense 3b

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If your phone number varies across different directories, or if your service list is vague, the AI may not show your business to a high-intent customer. —Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Oh, and here’s a directory of other places to stay in the Centennial Park district. —Gavin Godfrey, AJC.com, 22 May 2026

Programs listed through directories like Broken Heart Retreats emphasize connecting travelers experiencing similar emotional challenges, blending wellness tourism with facilitated recovery experiences. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2026

The publicly searchable directory is designed to list apps that have been vetted by experts across several criteria including technical soundness, ethical design, compliance with data security and privacy regulations, and clinical efficacy, which is evidence of a clinical benefit for the patient. —IEEE Spectrum, 21 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English directorie guide, from Medieval Latin directorium, from neuter of Late Latin directorius directorial, from Latin dirigere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing directory

• directory assistance
• directory enquiries
• ex-directory
• go ex-directory
• phone directory
• sub-directory
• telephone directory

Rhymes for directory

• refectory
• trajectory
• nectary
• rectory
• subdirectory

Kids Definition

directory

noun

di·​rec·​to·​ry

də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē, 

dī-

plural directories

: an alphabetical list containing names and addresses