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 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 The outlet reported that there was no evidence of foul play and that a local coroner had initially suggested Baldock died of drowning before his body was found at 10:30 pm local time. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 The statement also reiterated that there was no foul play involved in Porter’s death. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foul play 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foul play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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