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
Brunson hit a free throw after a technical foul on Sacramento, then drained another 3 to cap a 13-0 run and make it 103-85.
—
CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The emotions twice resulted in technical fouls against Brentwood players for taunting.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Collins and Mann were both assessed technical fouls, and Dëmin responded by scoring 12 straight points after opening 0-for-4.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
Holland and Clifford were both whistled for technical fouls.
—Jason Anderson
january 25, Sacbee.com, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for technical foul
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.
CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The emotions twice resulted in technical fouls against Brentwood players for taunting.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Collins and Mann were both assessed technical fouls, and Dëmin responded by scoring 12 straight points after opening 0-for-4.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
Holland and Clifford were both whistled for technical fouls.
—Jason Anderson
january 25, Sacbee.com, 25 Jan. 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 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
