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.

---

ex-directory British  

adjective

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

---

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

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

His services included providing telephone bills, ex-directory numbers and vehicle registration details.

From BBC • May 18, 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

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