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

Establish your practice’s Google Business Profile, and maintain consistent information across relevant directories. — Ajay Prasad, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Other states may have different rules covering association directories and member records. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Since it was launched nearly 36 years ago, IMDb has served as an online directory of TV shows and movies and the actors who appear in them. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Those names didn’t appear in a spot check of old phone books or business directories. — Fielding Buck, Daily News, 2 Sep. 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