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

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

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

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

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

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