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

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 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

Only a week after Luka Doncic’s 16th technical foul was rescinded by the NBA, the Lakers superstar picked up another one in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.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

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

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan