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

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

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

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

From BBC

The unlawful activities also included MGN journalists intercepting landline voicemails, even if the phone numbers were ex-directory, he said.

From BBC

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