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

Below is the Fort Worth Star-Telegram staff directory. —Amanda McCoy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2025

The inquiry later needled its way into the Oakland Police Department, where federal investigators sought OPD internal phone number directories, as well as police reports related to the Duong family and an apparent falling-out with Mario Juarez, who co-founded the housing company with the Duongs. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2025

Deposit a ransom note in each affected directory, warning that any changes to account permissions or files will end negotiations. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Among his outie's possessions, Irving finds a map and employee directory that lead him to the home of his secret innie love interest, Burt (Christopher Walken). —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

directory

noun

di·​rec·​to·​ry

də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē,

dī-

plural directories

: an alphabetical list containing names and addresses