foul play

noun

: violence
especially : murder

Examples of foul play in a Sentence

There is no evidence of foul play. the coroner ruled that there was no evidence of foul play
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.
Our intuitive bent toward honesty and justice has been destroyed by partisan antics and foul play. Armond White, National Review, 18 Dec. 2024 First responders were called to his home to perform a wellness check, and no evidence of foul play was found during the initial probe. Landon Mion, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024 While no foul play is suspected, the incident remains under investigation. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Though officials said there are no signs of foul play in her death at this time. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foul play 

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foul play was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near foul play

Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

foul play

noun
: unfair dealing : dishonest conduct
especially : violence sense 1
a victim of foul play

More from Merriam-Webster on foul play

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!