Synonyms

fouling

American

[fou-ling] / ˈfaʊ lɪŋ /

noun

an encrusted deposit, especially on a submerged object, as the hull of a ship.

Other Word Forms

nonfouling adjective

Etymology

Origin of fouling

1350–1400; Middle English foulinge; foul, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both teams … the Heat and the Wizards … conspired with their flopping and intentional fouling to get him to 83.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points apiece -- Towns drilling two free-throws to force overtime before fouling out in the extra session.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

A Cardiff rugby club has said dog fouling on its playing fields is a "huge problem" which has been causing tension within the community.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Posting on social media, Hay St Mary's football club in Hay-on-Wye said dog fouling was "an ongoing problem and we will not accept it any longer".

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

I’m always amused by commercials for banks which tout their personalized service, which service amounts to a poorly trained and badly paid cashier saying “Good morning” and then promptly fouling up your transaction.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023