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.
An initial review of all financial transactions since Fletcher's employment turned up no evidence of foul play, the release states. Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 17 Jan. 2025 Detectives searched the home in 2023 and found no hint of foul play. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 There were no apparent injuries, trauma or signs of foul play, according to the reports. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 Officers were called to the residence that morning by concerned relatives, who requested a welfare check, citing obvious signs of foul play. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 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

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 22 Jan. 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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