personal foul

American  

noun

Sports.

1. a foul called in certain games, as basketball or football, for illegal body contact or rough, unsportsmanlike play.

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Etymology

Origin of personal foul

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Notre Dame lost its standout nose tackle, Chris Colon, for next week’s game after being ejected for two 15-yard personal foul penalties.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2025

“He knows that we have his back,” said Bozeman, who was called for a personal foul and described Shepherd’s play as “unacceptable.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2024

Metcalf was assessed a personal foul penalty and ejected.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2023

“It didn’t look like a personal foul to me,” Dickert said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2023

Though Locksley didn’t specify, two calls last week stood out, both 15-yard personal foul penalties.

From Washington Times • Nov. 16, 2023