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
• directionally adverb
• undirectional adjective

Etymology

Origin of directional

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

Example Sentences

As a result, it becomes difficult to achieve high spectral resolution or to measure electric fields at very small spatial scales or with clear directional detail.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

When the market’s directional trend is hijacked by forces that marginalize financial metrics like corporate earnings growth and profit margins, it’s more significant than merely investor sentiment souring.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

These vibrations mix electronic states and effectively push the electron across the boundary, creating a directional, ballistic motion instead of slow and random diffusion.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

However, the cryptocurrency’s gains are modest as investors are awaiting more clarity from upcoming U.S. economic data before taking larger directional positions, Saxo Bank analysts say in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 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