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 foul

Examples of technical foul in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Doncic, who was called for a technical foul late in the first half — his second of the season — had 24 points by halftime. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

In addition, Adebayo was called for a technical foul for arguing with the officials and Doncic was called for a technical foul for clapping at an official in the second quarter. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Making matters worse for Atlanta, reserve guard Kingston Flemings, who scored 12 points, received a technical foul and was ejected for elbowing Pelicans reserve guard Bryce McGowens in the face during the final minutes. — Brett Martel, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026

After a replay review, the refs assessed double technical fouls to Nesmith and Marshall. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for technical foul

• afoul
• wildfowl
• foule
• fowl
• growl
• howl
• jowl
• owl
• prowl
• scowl
• waterfowl