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

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

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

Luka Doncic won’t play for the Lakers against the Wizards on Monday night because of a one-game suspension he received for his 16th technical foul.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

The Lakers superstar, who picked up his 16th technical foul on Friday in a win over the Nets, will miss the game against the Wizards on Monday night.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

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

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan