directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce directory (audio)
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

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Many agencies disclosing documents present rabbit holes of links opening to still-other documents containing links like sub-guidance, directories, catalogs, manuals, pdfs and more. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 This directory will be the go-to Western resource for homeowners looking for professionals in their region to upgrade their homes or yards. Sunset Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024 How much do insurers know about the errors in their directories? Max Blau, NPR, 22 Sep. 2024 End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin has a statewide directory of resources at endabusewi.org/get-help. Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for directory 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of directory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near directory

Cite this Entry

“Directory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directory. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

directory

noun
di·​rec·​to·​ry
də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē,
dī-
plural directories
: an alphabetical list containing names and addresses
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