# directional

/daɪˈɹɛkʃɪnəɫ/ (US) · /daɪɹˈɛkʃənəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. pointing in a direction

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to or pointing in a specific direction.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. sending energy one way

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

sending sound, light, or radio waves in one specific direction rather than everywhere.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. vehicle turn signal

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

a flashing light on a car that shows which way the driver wants to turn.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Follow the directional signs to the exit.
- The app uses your phone's sensors to provide accurate directional data.
- In vector calculus, the directional derivative measures the rate of change of a function in a specific direction.

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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.