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

The device design is developed that enables one-directional fluid flow, establishing a salt gradient that pushes salt to the edges of the photothermal material, significantly reducing fouling and light shielding. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025

Make this bi-directional learning a formal part of performance reviews and compensation structures. —Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

With a silhouette that feels both timeless yet directional (a stand collar! —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025

Topography will continue to drive spread and directional influence, while steep, inaccessible terrain hampers suppression efforts. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for directional

• affectional
• correctional
• inflectional
• bidirectional
• intersectional
• multidirectional
• omnidirectional
• unidirectional
• sectional

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