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.
With the Rockets up one, Durant fouled Gilgeous-Alexander with two seconds left, picking up his sixth personal foul and exiting the game. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 The unit picked up three penalties that each cost 15 yards, including an avoidable personal foul on linebacker Nick Rodriguez. Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025 Finally, the Gators were flagged for a personal foul that pushed back a field goal attempt even further. Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Thanks to a personal foul penalty that kept the drive alive, Weaver finished it off with a 6-yard run off tackle to give Mansfield an early 7-0 lead. Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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