directory

1 of 2

adjective

di·​rec·​to·​ry də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce directory (audio)
dī-
Synonyms of directorynext
: 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
: folder sense 3b

Examples of directory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Signage is pretty minimal, but navigating with the help of Google Maps or the free Prospect Park App, which includes a map and a directory, is easy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026 Some are now on display at the Upper Darby Historical Society, including the staff directory, hospital charter, meeting minutes and photos of nurses. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Security teams relied on broad Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and static directory permissions. — Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Unlike about two-thirds of state internal audit offices, the unit is not accredited and has never had an outside peer review, according to a Department of Finance directory. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directory

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

Phrases Containing directory

Rhymes for directory

See All Rhymes for directory

Browse Nearby Words

directorship
directory
directory assistance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Directory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

directory

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

More from Merriam-Webster on directory

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for directory

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about directory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All