di·rec·tion·al
də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
: of, relating to, or indicating direction in space:
a
: suitable for detecting the direction from which radio signals come or for sending out radio signals in one direction only
a directional antenna
b
: operating most effectively in a particular direction
a directional microphone
2
: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort
di·rec·tion·al·i·ty
də̇ˌrekshəˈnalətē
(ˌ)dīˌ-
plural -es
1
: the property of directional selectivity or precision
a scintillation counter was devised in such a fashion as to give a directionality of fifteen degrees and adequate sensitivity—
Surgical Forum
Surgical Forum2
: maintenance of direction
among these properties is that of directionality—C. K. Kluckhohn
C. K. KluckhohnExamples of directional in a Sentence
Adjective
We work with maps to improve the students' directional skills.
the directional signal lights on an automobile
The radio has a directional antenna.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
About 30% more puts traded than calls Friday, with put-selling the least popular directional trade, according to ThinkOrSwim data.
—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
27 June 2026
The cooling system is also good, with dual fans and multi-directional airflow that optimize performance under pressure.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
26 June 2026
Working with researchers at the Freie Universität Berlin, the University of Edinburgh, and Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, IQM has developed a new family of error correction called directional tile codes, addressing major hurdles in quantum error correction.
—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directional
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Adjective
Pieces or categories that are too fitted, uncomfortable or too directional are not a priority for our market.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
About 30% more puts traded than calls Friday, with put-selling the least popular directional trade, according to ThinkOrSwim data.
—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
27 June 2026
The cooling system is also good, with dual fans and multi-directional airflow that optimize performance under pressure.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
26 June 2026
Working with researchers at the Freie Universität Berlin, the University of Edinburgh, and Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, IQM has developed a new family of error correction called directional tile codes, addressing major hurdles in quantum error correction.
—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directional
Cite this Entry
“Directional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directional. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
directional
adjective
di·rec·tion·al
də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl
dī-
1
: relating to or indicating direction
directional signal lights on an automobile
2
: relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort
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