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Showing results for fouling. Search instead for Befouling.
Synonyms

fouling

American  
[fou-ling] / ˈfaʊ lɪŋ /

noun

  1. an encrusted deposit, especially on a submerged object, as the hull of a ship.

Other Word Forms

  • nonfouling adjective

Etymology

Origin of fouling

1350–1400; Middle English foulinge; foul, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Austin Reaves had 19 points and five assists before fouling out with 4:58 left.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

They said: "If members of the public witness any instances of dog fouling, we would encourage them to report it by completing a form on our website."

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

The 24-year-old wasn't finished yet and his break into the area ended with Kochalski fouling him, conceding a penalty that Gordon converted with ease.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Cardiff council said park rangers worked closely with its waste enforcement team to address dog fouling, including educating dog walkers where necessary.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

And although they tried to create makeshift filters, the machines were fouling and overheating one after another.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.