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

Doncic, who was suspended for Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards because of technical foul accumulation, had his league-leading 16th 40-point game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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

Doncic picked up his 15th technical foul of the season against Denver on March 5, putting him on alert for a possible suspension.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

Not even the NBA’s technical foul rule can slow Luka Doncic down.

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