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

Visit Rivermark Village for a complete directory of shops and restaurants. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Spectators looking for parking during the marathon in West Hollywood will find a directory of municipal lots and parking structures online. —Holly Andres, Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026

Find out more about him online in the Register's staff directory. —Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Politi, over a career spanning more than five decades, shaped the global contemporary art scene through the establishment of a publishing house, an art-world directory, a museum, and a biennial, bringing cutting-edge art movements in Italy as well as those around the world to a wide audience. —News Desk, Artforum, 3 Mar. 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