directional

American  

[dih-rek-shuh-nl, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛk ʃə nl, daɪ- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or indicating direction in space.

2. Radio. adapted for determining the direction of signals received, or for transmitting signals in a given direction.

   a directional antenna.

3. of, relating to, or providing guidance or leadership.

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directional British  

/ dɪˈrɛkʃənəl, daɪ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to a spatial direction

2. electronics

   1. having or relating to an increased sensitivity to radio waves, sound waves, nuclear particles, etc, coming from a particular direction

   2. (of an aerial) transmitting or receiving radio waves more effectively in some directions than in others

3. physics electronics

   1. concentrated in, following, or producing motion in a particular direction

   2. indicating direction

4. indicating the direction something, such as a fashion trend, might take

   directional fashion looks

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Other Word Forms

• directionality
  noun
• undirectional
  adjective
• directionally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of directional

First recorded in 1605–15; direction + -al ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

directional

Since its founding in 1916, the 1-square-mile town has used directional descriptors — City Hall is on the east side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th avenues — instead of building numbers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

Straddles are option plays on how much a stock will move after an event, meaning they are not directional.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

Bilingual directional and wayfinding signage, visitor information, festival dressing and other temporary infrastructure will help people navigate venues, attractions and event facilities.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

For food sources approximately 100 meters away, the directional information in the waggle dance can deviate by around 30 degrees.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 14, 2026

“And she plotted her directional line too,” I say, pointing to the little pebbles lined up there.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George