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

See Examples For:

technical foul

The Fever reportedly plan to appeal the technical foul.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

He saved his ire for officials during the Lakers’ Game 2 loss in Oklahoma City during which Redick received a technical foul.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2026

For the second time in less than a week, Luka Doncic faces a one-game suspension because of technical foul accumulation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2026

In 2023, Doncic also had his 16th technical foul rescinded, avoiding a one-game suspension.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2026

I went to the free-throw line to shoot my technical foul.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan