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

Bella Vista currently only has a couple places where a cyclist can ride truly downhill directional trails, Rushing said. —Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Bull or bear will be revealed and then the trend with be strong and directional. —Clem Chambers, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Less directional than fall/winter 2024’s loafer shapes, these allow for experimentation without losing the plot. —Madeline Fass, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

In addition, McDowell says athletes—especially runners—and individuals participating in sports requiring directional changes are more susceptible to PS, as are those with sedentary lifestyles or jobs that require prolonged sitting. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025

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