directory

[ dih-rek-tuh-ree, -tree, dahy- ]

noun

, plural di·rec·to·ries.

1. a book containing an alphabetical index of the names and addresses of persons in a city, district, organization, etc., or of a particular category of people.
2. a board or tablet on a wall of a building listing the room and floor numbers of the occupants.
3. a book of directions.
4. Computers.
   1. Also called folder. an organizing unit in a computer's file system for storing and locating files. In a hierarchical file system, directories can contain child directories subdirectories as well as files.
   2. a description of characteristics of a particular file, as the layout of fields within each record.
5. the Directory, French History. the body of five directors forming the executive power of France from 1795 to 1799.

adjective

1. serving to direct; directing; directive.

Directory

¹

/ -trɪ; dɪˈrɛktərɪ; daɪ- /

noun

1. history the body of five directors in power in France from 1795 until their overthrow by Napoleon in 1799 Also known asthe French Directory

directory

²

/ dɪˈrɛktərɪ; -trɪ; daɪ- /

noun

1. a book, arranged alphabetically or classified by trade listing names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc, of individuals or firms
2. a book or manual giving directions
3. a book containing the rules to be observed in the forms of worship used in churches
4. a less common word for directorate
5. computing an area of a disk, Winchester disk, or floppy disk that contains the names and locations of files currently held on that disk

adjective

1. directing

Word History and Origins

Origin of directory¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin dīrēctōrium, noun use of Late Latin dīrēctōrius directorial; directory indef 5, translation of French Directoire, from Medieval Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Her name no longer appears in the current online staff directory.

From Los Angeles Times

Wave’s provider directory now lists more than 60 U.S. licensees and an additional 18 internationally.

From Los Angeles Times

In part, that is because of the racism of the early 20th century: Local directories excluded Asian people and businesses until the 1930s, according to Chin.

From Los Angeles Times

A website maintained by Underwood’s mother and sister includes a how-to guide for those looking to start their own death cafe, and a directory that lists more than 18,000 death cafes around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

A directory of individual breed clubs, which can provide referrals, is available on the kennel club’s website.

From New York Times

Related Words

• almanac
• catalogue
• list
• yellow pages