Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

direction

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun British English pronunciation: direction /dɪˈrekʃ(ə)n/ British English pronunciation: direction /daɪˈrekʃ(ə)n/ 
Word Forms
Close
singulardirection
pluraldirections
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [countable] the path that someone or something moves along when going towards a place

    Are you sure we're going in the right direction?

    change direction:

    The wind has changed direction.

    in a southerly/easterly etc direction (=towards the south, east etc):

    The River Leadon flows in a southerly direction.

    in all directions/in every direction:

    The birds scattered in all directions.

    in the direction of someone/something:

    We drove off in the direction of the mountains.

    in the opposite direction:

    I'd give you a lift, but I'm going in the opposite direction.

    a sense of direction (=knowing which way to go):

    Michelle's always getting lost because of her terrible sense of direction.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction
    1. a.
      the way that someone or something faces or points towards

      Houses here are built facing an easterly direction.

      in someone's/something's direction:

      People walked by without a look in her direction.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction
  2. 2

    directions

     [plural] instructions for doing something or for getting to a place
    follow directions:

    Remember to follow the directions on the label.

    give someone directions to something:

    She gave the driver directions to her house.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction
  3. 3
    [countable/uncountable] the general development or progress of someone or something
    direction of:

    He was determined to change the direction of the business.

    a change of direction:

    He was looking for a complete change of direction.

    take a direction:

    Many Labour supporters are unhappy with the direction the party has taken.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction
  4. 4
    [uncountable] the feeling of having a definite purpose
    lack direction:

    Your life seems to lack direction.

    have a sense of direction:

    He's always had a strong sense of direction.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction
  5. 5
    [uncountable] leadership or management

    Peter was responsible for the general direction of the project.

    under the direction of:

    The building was designed by William Kent, under the personal direction of Henry Richardson.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction
  7. 7
    [countable] [usually singular] a point that someone or something comes from or goes to

    I knew it would be pointless to expect any help from his direction.

    The evidence is not conclusive, but it does point in this direction.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of direction

phrase

See also

This is the British English definition of direction. View American English definition of direction.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for direction.

 

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

wane

getting smaller, weaker, or less important

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog