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
Another option is to call 211, which refers people to Health and Human Services, although the directory can be long and confusing to navigate. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin has a statewide directory of resources at endabusewi.org/get-help. Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 The State Board of Elections has a full directory of county offices on its website at ncsbe.gov/about-elections/county-boards-elections. 2024 NC primary results Check charlotteobserver.com for constantly updating results and news starting at 7:30 p.m. Observer Staff Reports, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 Now a website, the Latte Lounge provides resources and information about perimenopause and menopause, treatment options and a directory of specialists. Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 Consistently replicate this clear message across your digital platforms—social media profiles, industry directories, guest articles—to reinforce the information search engines find about you online. Jason Barnard, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 To find that office, individuals can visit the SNAP state directory for more information. The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 But there are only 639 practicing pediatric endocrinologists listed in the Pediatric Endocrine Society’s directory of the U.S., and Americans living in medical deserts may have to travel long distances to connect with one. Alexa Lee, STAT, 7 Mar. 2024 Yoder estimates that thousands of deer across the country have been recovered by the drone pilots listed in the DDR directory. Hayden Sammak, Outdoor Life, 8 Feb. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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