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

Researcher Maia Arson Crimes provided THR with materials about the group, including a membership directory and details about this year’s upcoming forum. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026

The package includes free production parking, suspension of business tax collection, the development of a film location tour in partnership with FilmLA, and the creation of a film-specific business directory. —Judith Martin-Straw, Variety, 17 June 2026

Phone numbers for Taylor or his family members were not available or found in online directories. —ABC News, 17 June 2026

Sacramento boasts a Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, where businesses can register and increase their awareness via the member directory. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 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