technical foul
noun
basketball
: a foul that is assessed to a player, coach, or team typically for unsportsmanlike conduct (such as arguing with an official or taunting an opponent) and does not usually involve physical contact with an opponent while the ball is in play
called also technical
compare personal foulExamples of technical foul in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The refs by the way did not assess a technical foul to KU for trying to start six players since Williams waved the walkons off before the actual tip.
—
Gary Bedore
march 4, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
Luke Kennard received a technical foul in the third quarter and Ayton got a technical foul in the fourth quarter after being called for a foul blocking a shot by Williamson.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
The Lakers received three technical fouls in the game; charged to Luke Kennard, Doncic and Ayton.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
After playing his first 13 games without a technical foul, Heat guard Tyler Herro was called for his second in as many games on Tuesday night.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for technical foul
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Gary Bedore
march 4, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
Luke Kennard received a technical foul in the third quarter and Ayton got a technical foul in the fourth quarter after being called for a foul blocking a shot by Williamson.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
The Lakers received three technical fouls in the game; charged to Luke Kennard, Doncic and Ayton.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
After playing his first 13 games without a technical foul, Heat guard Tyler Herro was called for his second in as many games on Tuesday night.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for technical foul
Cite this Entry
“Technical foul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technical%20foul. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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