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

Johnston County residents can call the county’s Department of Social Services at 919-989-5300, or visit the county’s directory of local food pantries. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025

The watchdogs also recommend that federal regulators create a national, searchable directory of mental health providers, listing which Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans each one accepts. —Tony Leys, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025

One source is the Aging Life Care Association directory. —Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025

In a statement, spokesperson Rachel Arrezola defended the regulatory agency’s oversight of plan directories. —Calmatters, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025

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