personal foul

noun

: a foul in a game (such as basketball) involving usually physical contact with or deliberate roughing of an opponent compare technical foul

Examples of personal foul in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Foul trouble hit Miami early The Hurricanes committed 13 personal fouls in the first half. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 Stanford responded with a 90-yard drive that was sparked by a 43-yard pass from Warren to Ford with a 15-yard personal foul on King Mack added to the play. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Yes, a questionable personal foul helped Arizona get into position for the winning field goal in its 18-16 victory. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 He’s been called for 11 personal fouls throughout his career, including six in 2023. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personal foul

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of personal foul was circa 1829

Rhymes for personal foul

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Browse Nearby Words

personal flag
personal foul
personal freedom
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Cite this Entry

“Personal foul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20foul. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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