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

Franchise Directories And Marketplaces Franchise Direct—One of the largest franchise directories featuring global franchise opportunities. Franchise.com—Lists available franchises with investment details and industry insights. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Tools like Crunchbase, Google, and industry-specific directories can help identify potential competitors. —Abdo Riani, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

For parents looking to find ways for their families to support the homeless population in their communities, check out the nonprofit partner directory through the No Address movie website. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 22 Feb. 2025

Garcia is a physical education teacher and athletic director, according to the school’s staff directory. —Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 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