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

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

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

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

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan