directional

adjective

di·​rec·​tion·​al də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or indicating direction in space:

a

: suitable for detecting the direction from which radio signals come or for sending out radio signals in one direction only

a directional antenna

b

: operating most effectively in a particular direction

a directional microphone

2

: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort

directionality

di-ˌrek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of directional in a Sentence

We work with maps to improve the students' directional skills.

the directional signal lights on an automobile

The radio has a directional antenna.

Recent Examples on the Web

First, users can now opt for using directional keys (WASD) for movement, as opposed to having to click the environment to direct the character. —Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

Although the original game was played by pressing buttons as cellphones lacked touchscreens, the snake in Nothing’s version is steered using directional screen swipes, while a double tap pauses the action, according to Retro Dodo. —Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 4 Dec. 2024

Inspired by Microsoft’s Xbox, the directional controller is embedded into the armrest to allow fans to take part in games on the scoreboard during breaks in play. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

Unfortunately, brighter directional light would have produced blinding reflections. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

directional

adjective

di·​rec·​tion·​al də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

dī-

1

: relating to or indicating direction

directional signal lights on an automobile

2

: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort