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
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
In London, Geoffrey Keynes relied on a directory of on-call volunteers; in a time when many people didn’t have a telephone, policemen and priests were often enlisted to track down donors at any hour of the day. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 Her position is a federal detail, according to a federal employee directory, which allows career government employees to transfer between agencies for temporary roles. Annie Waldman, ProPublica, 31 Jan. 2025 Another effort in development is an internal digital staff directory that replaces expensive directories compiled by private companies assembling contact information for congressional staff. Lorelei Kelly, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025 They were identified as Rubi P. Vergara, 14, a student and resident of Madison, and Erin M. West, 42, who lived in nearby DeForest, Wis., and was listed in a staff directory as the substitute coordinator at Abundant Life. Mitch Smith, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near directory

Cite this Entry

“Directory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directory. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

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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