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

Clark appeared flabbergasted when she learned she received a technical foul for clapping while her teammate Myisha Hines-Allen and the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas were in each other’s faces.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander was called for a flagrant foul on the play and Alex Caruso was called for a technical foul.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026

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

The NBA requires players to sit out for one game without pay after their 16th technical foul of the season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2026

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

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan