ex-directory

[ eks-di-rek-tuh-ree, -tree, -dahy- ]

adjective

, British.

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

ex-directory

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ex-directory¹

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