directional

adjective

di·​rec·​tion·​al də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce directional (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The task requires figuring out which colors belong in which boxes based on their position: black for corners, magenta for the middle, and directional colors (red for up, blue for down, green for right, and yellow for left) for the remaining boxes. Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025 Lastly, the recent pullback to its $84 support level provides an attractive risk to reward entry point in this directional shift with an upside target of $150. Tony Zhang, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025 Normally the remote operator would handle everything, but since this vehicle wasn’t completely outfitted with all the related technology, an on-board person sat behind the wheel operating the directional signal and gear shift at Nossokoff’s command. Ed Garsten, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Tester worked on a geothermal project at Los Alamos, which aimed to perfect directional drilling. Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for directional

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of directional was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Directional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directional. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

directional

adjective
di·​rec·​tion·​al də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce directional (audio)
dī-
1
: relating to or indicating direction
directional signal lights on an automobile
2
: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort

More from Merriam-Webster on directional

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