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

Broward County Public Schools’ athletic staff directory for 2025 shows that Sierra is the boys’ basketball coach at Nova High School in Davie. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025

Many callers just need to be directed to the right Vatican office or official, and the sisters oblige with the aid of massive yearbooks and directories, as well as a solid knowledge of protocols and a hefty dose of discretion, Sister Anthony said. —Giovanna Dell’orto, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025

The Census Bureau’s public repository went offline, then returned without certain directories of geographic information. —Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025

Franchise Directories And Marketplaces Franchise Direct—One of the largest franchise directories featuring global franchise opportunities. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 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