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.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigated and found no signs of foul play. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025 Extensive search efforts by Dominican authorities, including aerial and underwater operations, have not yet yielded any evidence of foul play. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025 Police checked the woman’s residence and nothing was disturbed and no foul play was indicated. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Police have said there’s no evidence of a break-in or foul play. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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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