# DIR

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dir
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. computing file list

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for Directory. In computing, you type this command to see a list of all the files and folders in a specific place.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Directory. A command-line utility used in various operating systems to display a list of files and subdirectories within the current directory.

- Open the command prompt and type 'dir' to see what is in the folder.
- The user executed the dir command with several flags to view hidden system files and their respective permissions.

Usage: Usually written in lowercase when referring to the command itself.

### 2. a person in charge

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

Stands for Director. You might see this on a door sign or in a business document to show someone's job title.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Director. Used as a formal title or designation in administrative, corporate, or theatrical contexts.

- The memo was sent to the Dir. of Finance for final approval.
- Please forward the quarterly performance metrics to the Dir. of Operations before the board meeting on Tuesday.

Usage: Typically capitalized when used as a title before a name or department.

### 3. a way or path

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for Direction. It is a short way to write which way something is moving or facing.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Direction. Frequently employed in technical drawings, maps, or navigational instructions to save space.

- The map showed the wind dir. as coming from the North.
- The schematic indicated the flow dir. of the coolant to ensure the technician installed the valves correctly.

Usage: Commonly used in tables, charts, and technical diagrams.

### 4. straight or immediate

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Direct. It describes something that happens straight away or without anyone else in the middle.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Direct. Used in specialized contexts like logistics or telecommunications to indicate a non-stop or immediate connection.

- The shipping label was marked for dir. delivery to the warehouse.
- The network configuration required a dir. connection between the two servers to minimize latency during data transfers.

## Examples

- Save the photo in the project dir.
- The system administrator moved all user data into a shared dir on the server.
- In Unix-like systems, the root dir serves as the top-level container from which all other paths branch.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.