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.

Austin Reaves had 19 points and five assists before fouling out with 4:58 left.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

They said: "If members of the public witness any instances of dog fouling, we would encourage them to report it by completing a form on our website."

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

However, a judge ordered the council to re-look at the complaint, saying it had not considered the nub of the matter - whether the fouling constituted a "statutory nuisance".

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Gausman threw five straight four-seem fastballs, with Smith just missing the last one, fouling it back to run the count full.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2025

Ashen and spent, Pollard said that the rail had been slow, and that he had been unable to get outside without fouling Rosemont.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

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