directional
adjective
di·rec·tion·al
də-ˈrek-shnəl 
-shə-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
Examples of directional in a Sentence
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
Under perfect conditions, when all systems are a go, this blend of internal navigation abilities can also improve directional accuracy.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024
That maneuverability is what allows motorcycle-quick directional changes.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024
The pilot and the captain initially reported that touchdown was normal, with no directional control issues.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2024
Polachek’s Brits 2024 look is the final hurrah in this era of volatile, directional style that has also leaned heavily on Acne and Mugler, before crescendoing with a vintage Olivier Theyskens look with blood vessels snaking down it at the Grammys.
—Alice Newbold, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2024
Take this path, which is also marked with a directional sign.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024
This causes the light to become somewhat directional, rather than spread out evenly as normal.
—Daniel Johnson, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024
Customers should look curbside at Terminal B for white traffic cones, directional signs and valets dressed in orange shirts with valet logos.
—Steve Rosen, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024
The jungle is filled with deadly critters and bugs that sap the will and health of travelers who have to make it without directional signs or any nearby access to human civilization — plumbing or health-care facilities.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 5 Jan. 2024
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024
That maneuverability is what allows motorcycle-quick directional changes.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024
The pilot and the captain initially reported that touchdown was normal, with no directional control issues.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2024
Polachek’s Brits 2024 look is the final hurrah in this era of volatile, directional style that has also leaned heavily on Acne and Mugler, before crescendoing with a vintage Olivier Theyskens look with blood vessels snaking down it at the Grammys.
—Alice Newbold, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2024
Take this path, which is also marked with a directional sign.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024
This causes the light to become somewhat directional, rather than spread out evenly as normal.
—Daniel Johnson, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024
Customers should look curbside at Terminal B for white traffic cones, directional signs and valets dressed in orange shirts with valet logos.
—Steve Rosen, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024
The jungle is filled with deadly critters and bugs that sap the will and health of travelers who have to make it without directional signs or any nearby access to human civilization — plumbing or health-care facilities.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 5 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'directional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near directional
Cite this Entry
“Directional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directional. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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