directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce directory (audio)
dī-
: 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

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In addition to this, group therapy sessions are an additional asset, along with a directory of Black therapists dedicated to making one-on-one healing accessible. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 14 Oct. 2024 The agency recommends checking out its directory of organizations vetted by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024 The site features a directory of 65 brands (and growing), so people who would like to support these businesses can easily do so, no matter where they are geographically located. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024 Regulators with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions found in 2021 that Health Net of Arizona had failed to maintain accurate provider directories. Max Blau, NPR, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for directory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'directory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near directory

Cite this Entry

“Directory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

directory

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