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.

---

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

---

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

Pro Football Focus ranked him fourth in a grading system that factors in hang time, directional placement and situational execution.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 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

“The 380-strike buyer is likely part of a larger complex options position that requires purchasing that strike for risk management purposes, rather than a straightforward directional contract,” Treacy told MarketWatch via email.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026

"It was previously known that the directional information in the waggle dance is not entirely accurate," explains Straw.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 14, 2026

One’s magnetic and directional subsenses are all wrong on other planets; when the intellect won’t or can’t compensate for that wrongness, the result is a profound bewilderment, a feeling that everything, literally, has come loose.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin