foul line

noun

1. Baseball. either of the two lines connecting home plate with first and third base respectively, or their continuations to the end of the outfield.
2. Also called free throw line. Basketball. a line on the court 15 feet (4.6 meters) from the backboard, from which foul shots are taken.
3. Bowling. a line on an alley at right angles to the gutters and 60 feet (18.3 meters) from the center of the spot for the headpin, across which a bowler may not step for fair delivery of the ball.

Word History and Origins

Origin of foul line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

Anthony Davis is the league’s second-leading scorer, and as he’s stepped to the foul line, the crowd has serenaded him on multiple occasions.

From Los Angeles Times

Dozens of security guards lined up on the foul line after the umpires consulted with the Padres bullpen, according to Sunday’s broadcast.

From Los Angeles Times

I watched him fly down the court, and he was virtually automatic from the foul line.

From Los Angeles Times

Under Weisberg’s steadying guidance, Birmingham-Southern’s boys of summer have been playing freely for months, unburdened between the foul lines after learning in late March their school was closing.

From Seattle Times

Woodard cleared the bases filled with runners, when he dropped a double just inside the right field foul line.

From Seattle Times