Definition of directory

The word "directory" has its roots in the Latin words "directum," meaning "way" or "road," and "directory," meaning "to direct." In the 15th century, a directory referred to a book or list that provided information on how to accomplish something, such as a guidebook for travelers. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a directory also referred to a list of rules or regulations, such as a directory for a convent or a directory for a business. In the 19th century, the term "directory" began to be used to describe a reference book that listed information on people, places, and organizations. This type of directory, often published annually, contained details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and occupations. Today, the term "directory" still refers to a collection of information on a particular topic or group of people, and is often used in digital forms, such as online directories and databases.