personal foul

noun

: a foul in a game (such as basketball) involving usually physical contact with or deliberate roughing of an opponent compare technical foul

Examples of personal foul in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clark’s third personal foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1 while Boston and Reese each drew technical fouls following a replay review by the referees. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Clark’s personal foul was upgraded to a flagrant foul. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025 Through four playoff games, Brunson ranks third in free throw attempts and second in personal fouls drawn per game, averaging nine in each category. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025 Lillard, who appeared frustrated throughout the game, ended the game with four personal fouls. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for personal foul

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of personal foul was circa 1829

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Cite this Entry

“Personal foul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20foul. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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