Word
directional
Phoneticsdi·rec·tion·al, stress on the second syllable
US/daɪˈɹɛkʃɪnəɫ/
UK/daɪɹˈɛkʃənəl/
Definitions
01pointing in a direction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. relating to or pointing in a specific direction.
adj. relating to, indicating, or functioning in a specific direction.
“The hikers followed directional signs to find their way back to the camp.”
“The installation of directional signage throughout the terminal significantly reduced passenger confusion during the peak holiday season.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
02sending energy one way
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. sending sound, light, or radio waves in one specific direction rather than everywhere.
adj. designed to send or receive signals, such as sound or radio waves, in a specific direction.
“The band used a directional microphone to record the singer without picking up the drums.”
“By employing a directional antenna, the researchers were able to transmit data to the remote station with minimal interference from other signals.”
Usage
Commonly used in acoustics, telecommunications, and physics.
Teaching tip
This is a common technical term in audio and tech contexts; contrast it with 'omnidirectional' which means in all directions.
Antonyms
03vehicle turn signal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English · Informal
n. a flashing light on a car that shows which way the driver wants to turn.
n. a flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intended change in direction.
“He forgot to use his directional before turning left at the intersection.”
“The driver was pulled over by the police for failing to activate his directional when merging into the fast lane.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun.
Teaching tip
In British English, people almost exclusively use 'indicator'. 'Directional' as a noun is specific to certain North American dialects.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“And studying caterpillars’ hearing systems and imitating how their “hearing hairs” work could inspire such directional microphones.” Etymology
From direction + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/directional