directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce directory (audio)
dī-
Synonyms of directorynext
: serving to direct
specifically : providing advisory but not compulsory guidance

directory

2 of 2

noun

plural directories
1
a
: a book or collection of directions, rules, or ordinances
b
: an alphabetical or classified list (as of names and addresses)
2
: a body of directors
3
: folder sense 3b

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Residents of other Florida counties can find their local elections office through the ⁠Florida Division of Elections' statewide directory. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 The directory does exclude some very popular products as well, including many brands of disposable vapes and vape juice. — Ana Santos Rutschman, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 When multiple businesses compete in the same area, local publication links, directory citations and offline brand strength act as the ultimate tiebreakers. — Vin Sonpal, Forbes.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The goals are less diffuse for the 10-year pilot ACCESS program, which published a directory of initial participants last month. — Katie Palmer, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directory

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English directorie guide, from Medieval Latin directorium, from neuter of Late Latin directorius directorial, from Latin dirigere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of directory was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing directory

Rhymes for directory

See All Rhymes for directory

Browse Nearby Words

directorship
directory
directory assistance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Directory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directory. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

directory

noun
di·​rec·​to·​ry
də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē, 
dī-
plural directories
: an alphabetical list containing names and addresses

More from Merriam-Webster on directory

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about directory

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