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

See Examples For:

ex-directory

Whittamore specialised in getting unlisted ex-directory phone numbers for people journalists were writing about, as well as their "friends and family" phone number lists.

From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026

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

These suggested investigators were accessing ex-directory phone numbers, social security details, and financial records, as well as deploying other methods to obtain information.

From BBC ● May 19, 2023

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

I didn't ask them to call me, I am registered with TPS and ex-directory and very careful about who is given my number.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 5, 2013