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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This isn’t a dealbreaker; the bi-directional FaceTime call that shows the person on the other end of the line on both the outer and inner screens remains genuinely cool, even with the potato-esque quality of the inner camera. — ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026 Amphibious skis help the motorcycle remain above the water’s surface, while the front ski provides directional control during the crossing. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026 The Talk features four directional modes for different situations and a 96KHz/24-bit sample rate for high-quality recordings and voice clarity. — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 Adjusting the laser's direction could also change the plasma antenna's orientation, potentially offering greater flexibility for radar systems and directional communications. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directional

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of directional was in 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Directional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directional. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

directional

adjective
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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