directional

[ dih-rek-shuh-nl, dahy- ]

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.

directional

/ daɪ-; dɪˈrɛkʃənəl /

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

Derived Forms

• diˌrectionˈality, noun

Other Words From

• di·rection·ali·ty noun
• di·rection·al·ly adverb
• undi·rection·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of directional¹

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

Example Sentences

Drizly is attractive because of its ability to provide marketers with a “directional view into how media investment is driving sales.”

From Digiday

The Sport Open Earbuds rely on Bose’s OpenAudio tech, which involves pumping directional audio into the ear using a single transducer in each enclosure.

From Popular-Science

Skins, or strips of fabric made of directional nylon or mohair fibers, are also necessary.

From Outside Online

That includes, he says, cleaning protocols, upgraded air filters and filtration systems, occupancy maximums on elevators and directional signage within common areas and office spaces.

From Fortune

There is a stereotype that people use live-streaming platforms to play video games or perform for an audience in a one-directional interaction.

From Fortune

Less than 24 hours after the news leaked, all directional jokes have officially been cracked.

From The Daily Beast

In Milan, one of the most directional designers in recent seasons has been Raf Simons of Jil Sander.

From The Daily Beast

I was very determined to make it fashion-forward and directional and relevant.

From The Daily Beast

Clinton, the omni-directional apologizer, declared that America owed no apology to Japan for using the atomic bomb.

From The Daily Beast

Historical destinies are directional, not precisely preordained.

From The Daily Beast

But we can't control the directional and dimensional scope of the warp.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly Jimmy heard a sharp signal, sounding above the dull buzz of the directional beacon.

From Project Gutenberg

Directional Stability is its stability about its vertical axis, and without which it would have no tendency to keep its course.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a condition will cause the aeroplane to lose its directional stability and also to fly one wing down.

From Project Gutenberg

Lateral Stability is far more difficult for the designer to secure than is longitudinal or directional stability.

From Project Gutenberg