ex-directory

American  

[eks-di-rek-tuh-ree, -tree, -dahy-] / ˌɛks dɪˈrɛk tə ri, -tri, -daɪ- /

adjective

British.

1. (of a telephone number) unlisted in a telephone directory.

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ex-directory British  

adjective

1. US and Canadian term: unlisted.  not listed in a telephone directory, by request, and not disclosed to inquirers

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Etymology

Origin of ex-directory

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

He admitted his journalists had used "inquiry agents" to get ex-directory numbers of people the Daily Mail was writing about, and from whom journalists needed to obtain a response.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Asked if he thought obtaining ex-directory phone numbers or car registration details was unlawful, Mr Vickers said "it depends on how it was being done".

From BBC • May 25, 2023

It was not uncommon to ring the ex-directory phone Robinson kept on his desk at Anfield well after midnight to check a story or make an inquiry and he would pick up in an instant.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2022

A private investigator called Steve Whittamore, whose property was raided in 2003, was used by a string of newspapers including the Observer to obtain ex-directory and vehicle ownership and other personal information.

From The Guardian • Mar. 7, 2018

He said they had told him his mobile phone number, ex-directory landline number and address had been found in records made by Mulcaire that were recovered from the investigator's office in south London.

From The Guardian • Jul. 6, 2011