C1noun2K

Directory

UK /["/dəˈrektəri//daɪˈrektəri/"]/US /["/dəˈrektəri//daɪˈrektəri/"]/

Definition

a book or electronic resource containing lists of information, usually in alphabetical order, for example people’s phone numbers or the names and addresses of businesses in a particular area

In simple words: A list or collection of information about things, like names, addresses, or files.

Examples

  • The directory on the computer contains all the files related to the project.
  • Please check the directory to find the contact information of local businesses.
  • She looked up his address in the directory before sending the letter.
  • The telephone directory is updated annually with new listings.
  • On the website, the directory lists all the departments in alphabetical order.
  • In UNIX systems, a directory can contain files and other directories.
  • The directory structure helps to organize documents for easier access.

Usage notes

Used in contexts like business, computers, and phone listings. It is appropriate when talking about organization systems but may sound overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'direc-TORY' that leads you to find someone’s contact.

Collocations

  • business
  • telephone
  • trade
  • check
  • consult
  • compile
  • in a/​the directory
  • directory of
  • business
  • telephone
  • trade
  • check
  • consult
  • compile
  • in a/​the directory
  • directory of

Synonyms

  • index
  • list
  • catalog
  • register
  • guide

Antonyms

  • file
  • document

Common mistakes

  • Mixing it up with 'directory' vs 'directly'.
  • Using 'direct' instead of 'directory' when referring to a list.
  • Confusing the spelling with 'directrey'.