Directory
/daɪˈrektəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsA list or book giving information, such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers, often arranged in alphabetical order.
/daɪˈrektəri/
A book or list containing names and addresses, or information organized in a structured way.
The phone directory lists the addresses and phone numbers of people in the area.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big phone book, but instead of just names and numbers, it can be anything! It's a place where you find information organized by topic, like a list of all the restaurants in your town. Need to find a plumber? Check the directory!
👶 For kids: A list of names and addresses, like a phone book!
More Examples
She used the online directory to find a local restaurant.
The IT department updated the employee directory.
How It's Used
"I looked up the company's contact information in the business directory."
"The file directory on the computer helps organize the documents."
A file system object that contains other files and directories.
/daɪˈrektəri/
A file system location
The program crashed because it couldn't find the specified directory.
💡 Simply: It's like a folder on your computer that contains other files and folders to organize your files. Inside a directory, you can find documents, photos, and even more directories (folders).
👶 For kids: A special box on a computer where the computer keeps files and other boxes.
More Examples
I need to move this file to a different directory.
The file is located in the home directory.
How It's Used
"Navigate to the correct directory to run the script"
Idioms & expressions
business directory
A publication listing businesses in a specific area.
"I found a great local plumber through the business directory."
home directory
The main or default directory for a user on a computer system.
"All of my personal files are stored in my home directory."
From Late Latin *directorium*, from *director* (director), from *dirigere* (to direct). Originally referring to a guide or manual.
The term 'directory' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to a guide or manual, evolving to include lists of people and businesses.
Memory tip
Think of a DIRECT-ory - it DIRECTs you to information.
Word Origin
"guide, or a place to direct"