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

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Etymology

Origin of directional

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

directional

The rotating platform prevented the trees from receiving a consistent directional signal from gravity, while the surrounding light eliminated cues about which way they should grow.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026

The growing popularity of this countertrend trading strategy has likely helped stifle the index’s directional momentum, according to the UBS team.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026

The analysts tell clients in a note that they view any signals as directional only, and interpret the read-through with caution.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Traditionally, residents locate homes and buildings by giving directional descriptors, such as being on the “west side of San Antonio Street, 3 houses south of 12th Avenue.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

I work up and down, alternating my use of my pencils and the pressure I place on them, trying to get the value and directional stroke just right.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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