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

However, this echolocation is short-ranged and highly directional and can best detect large objects within only a few dozen feet. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024

Thom Browne Fair Isle wool-blend cardigan $1,190 SSENSE King of directional prep Thom Browne offers his take on the Fair Isle in a charming gray and red crew neck cardigan. —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024

According to the team, this demonstrates that bats can conduct mile-scale navigation using a highly directional and relatively local mode of sensing alone. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024

The Aries moon perks up your inner directional system. —USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 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