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

This deliberate directional shape gives the residence a dynamic quality, while guiding the eye across the horizon and through the house itself. —New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025

Instead of a mouse pad, there’s a tactile trackball beside a cross-shaped directional pad. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025

The same directional buttons are included on the left Joy-con controller, and the A, B, X and Y button are on the right. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025

An initial investigation revealed that the vehicle allegedly struck a metal beam guardrail, hit a directional sign in the shoulder then went off the roadway and down an embankment, according to state police. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 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