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.
Susan told Dateline the family also strongly believes there was foul play in Kevin’s disappearance. Nicolás Viñuela, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024 The sheriff’s office Major Crimes Unit opened an investigation into the death and reported no evidence of foul play, Davis said. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 According to medical examiner and police records, there were no signs of foul play. Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 21 Oct. 2024 Although this disappearance is still officially a missing person case, Sheriff Lott confirmed to PEOPLE that investigators believe there is a possibility of foul play. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Oct. 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 Nov. 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
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