directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce directory (audio)
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

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The instructions are specific, including the creation of a 24/7 emergency directory of phone numbers, including potential community partners in case of disasters such as first responders, local health departments, and other potential support groups or individuals. Josh Klein, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025 There are no official estimates of disabled Angelenos who’ve lost their homes, but disabled activists compiled a mutual aid directory of scores of fire victims seeking help, many like the Robertses in urgent need. Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2025 Options for running apparel are so plentiful that a cottage industry of online directories, Instagram mood boards and sub-Reddits have sprung up to help would-be joggers and marathoners make sense of it all. Lei Takanashi, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025 Zoom in: Two agency sources who requested anonymity for fear of retribution identified a DOGE employee at NOAA who is in the agency's online personnel directory, with a non-working phone number. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for directory 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of directory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near directory

Cite this Entry

“Directory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directory. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

directory

noun
di·​rec·​to·​ry
də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē,
dī-
plural directories
: an alphabetical list containing names and addresses
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