technical foul

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. a foul committed by a player or coach, usually not involving physical contact with an opponent, called often for unsportsmanlike conduct, as holding on to the basket or using profanity, that gives the opposing team one or two free throws and sometimes, if the foul was flagrant, requires the ejection of the offending player or coach from the game.

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Etymology

Origin of technical foul

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The Warriors’ Draymond Green got assessed a technical foul, and Leonard made the ensuing free throw to give his team a 10-point lead with 3:24 left; the Clippers headed to the locker room ahead 61-53.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Doncic picked up his first 16th technical foul last week against the Orlando Magic after getting into an argument with Orlando forward Goga Bitadze.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Only a week after Luka Doncic’s 16th technical foul was rescinded by the NBA, the Lakers superstar picked up another one in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Bitadze’s technical foul was also rescinded after the European players were arguing while Doncic was shooting free throws.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

The ref blew the whistle again, calling a technical foul.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan