foul line

American  

noun

1. Baseball. either of the two lines connecting home plate with first and third base respectively, or their continuations to the end of the outfield.

2. Also called free throw line.  Basketball. a line on the court 15 feet (4.6 meters) from the backboard, from which foul shots are taken.

3. Bowling. a line on an alley at right angles to the gutters and 60 feet (18.3 meters) from the center of the spot for the headpin, across which a bowler may not step for fair delivery of the ball.

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Etymology

Origin of foul line

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

Bryce Cofield added 14 points for the Trailblazers and Hudson Mayes scored 19 for Redondo, which finished 14 for 15 at the foul line.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

There’s no question who the team wants to send to the foul line in the final minutes — Lazar Stefanovic, who has made all 11 free throws he’s attempted.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2024

Mara needs to cut down on his turnovers and Kyle must get better at making free throws given he’s shooting a team-worst 33.3% from the foul line.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2024

The misses at the foul line, though, kept the Magic alive, and Wagner, in the midst of a breakout season, hit the biggest shot to silence Crypto.com Arena.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

I stepped up to the foul line and made a real effort to empty my brain.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman