noun
Common
directory
dih-REHK-tuh-ree
Directory (noun) means a list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category. Example: “The phone directory listed every household in the small town.”
noun
1
A list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category.
"The phone directory listed every household in the small town."
"Check the staff directory for her email address and office number."
"She looked up the plumber's number in the business directory."
2
A location on a computer where files are organized and stored.
"I moved the photos into a new directory called holiday."
"The program creates a temporary directory and deletes it when you close the app."
"Save the report in the shared directory."
How to use directory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn organized list of information, or a folder used to organize computer files.
Common mistake
In everyday computer use, "directory" and "folder" mean essentially the same thing — "folder" is the more common term outside technical contexts.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
phone directory
business directory
root directory
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Word forms
- Plural
- directories
- Comparative
- more directory
- Superlative
- most directory
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The phone _____ listed every household in the small town.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin dīrēctōrium, related to "direct."
Related words
Rhymes for directory
See all rhymes for directory →Frequently asked questions
What does “directory” mean?
The word “directory” means a list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category. In plain terms, an organized list of information, or a folder used to organize computer files.
How do you pronounce “directory”?
“Directory” is pronounced dih-REHK-tuh-ree (/dɪˈɹɛktəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “directory” in a sentence?
Here is “directory” used in a sentence: “She looked up the plumber's number in the business directory.”
What part of speech is “directory”?
“Directory” is a noun.
Where does the word “directory” come from?
The word “directory” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin dīrēctōrium, related to "direct.".
Is “directory” a common word?
“Directory” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “directory” have?
“Directory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a list of names, addresses, or other information, usually organized alphabetically or by category.
What is the difference between a directory and a folder on a computer?
In everyday use they usually mean the same thing, but 'directory' is the more technical term for a location where files are stored, while 'folder' is the visual, desktop metaphor for it. Command-line systems tend to say directory, and graphical interfaces tend to say folder.
What is the difference between a directory and an index?
A directory is a list of the entries themselves, such as names, addresses, or files, usually arranged alphabetically or by category. An index instead points you to where information can be found, like page numbers in a book.
What is a root directory?
The root directory is the top-level location on a drive or computer from which all other directories branch out. Every other folder is contained within it, either directly or through other folders.
What is the difference between a directory and a database?
A directory is an organised list for looking things up, such as names and addresses, typically sorted for easy reference. A database is a broader, structured system for storing and querying many kinds of related information, not just a lookup list.
