What's the Difference Between 'Foul' and 'Fowl'?

In this blog post we look at when to use foul and when to use fowl.

'Foul' or 'Fowl'?

"Fowl" and "foul" are two words that are similar in spelling but have different meanings.

"Fowl" refers to birds that are used for food or hunting, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. For example, "The farmer raises fowl on his farm" or "The hunter shot a fowl".

"Foul" has several meanings, including:

  • Having an unpleasant smell or taste. For example, "The milk had gone foul" or "The water was foul-smelling".

  • Morally offensive or wicked. For example, "The criminal's actions were foul" or "The behavior was considered foul by many people".

  • Violating a rule in a sport or game. For example, "The player committed a foul" or "The referee called a foul on the team".

In summary, "Fowl" refers to birds used for food or hunting, while "foul" has multiple meanings, such as having an unpleasant smell, morally offensive or wicked, and violating a rule in a sport or game.

Here are some example sentences that illustrate the difference between "fowl" and "foul":

  1. "The farmer raises fowl on his farm for eggs and meat." (In this sentence, "fowl" refers to birds that are used for food or hunting, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys)

  2. "The hunter shot a fowl for dinner." (In this sentence, "fowl" refers to birds that are used for food or hunting, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys)

  3. "The milk had gone foul, it was no longer safe to drink" (In this sentence, "foul" refers to having an unpleasant smell or taste, the milk has spoiled)

  4. "The criminal's actions were foul, he committed a heinous crime." (In this sentence, "foul" refers to morally offensive or wicked)

  5. "The referee called a foul on the team for tripping the opposing player." (In this sentence, "foul" refers to violating a rule in a sport or game)

Examples of Foul in a Sentence

  1. "The farmer raises fowl on his farm for eggs and meat."

  2. "The hunter shot a fowl for dinner."

  3. "The fowl in the coop were clucking and pecking at the ground."

  4. "The chef prepared a dish with roasted fowl and vegetables."

  5. "The market sells different types of fowl such as chickens, ducks, and geese."

  6. "Fowl is a popular protein source for many cultures."

  7. "The ornithologist studies different species of fowl in their natural habitats."

  8. "Fowl is a common ingredient in many traditional recipes."

  9. "The hunter bagged a wild fowl on his hunting trip."

  10. "Fowl are known to migrate annually to different regions."

Examples of Fowl in a Sentence

Foul (meaning unpleasant smell or taste):

  1. "The smell of the sewage was foul and overpowering."

  2. "The rotting garbage emitted a foul odor."

  3. "The dish was inedible due to its foul taste."

  4. "The air inside the factory was foul with pollutants."

  5. "The fish had gone foul and was no longer safe to eat."

Foul (meaning morally offensive or wicked):

  1. "The politician's actions were foul, he had no regard for the law."

  2. "The employee's behavior was considered foul by many of his colleagues."

  3. "The criminal's actions were foul, he committed a heinous crime."

  4. "The language used by the celebrity was foul and not suitable for public speech."

  5. "The executive was accused of foul play in the business deal."

Foul (violating a rule in sport):

  1. "The referee called a foul on the team for tripping the opposing player."

  2. "The player was given a yellow card for a foul on the opposing team."

  3. "The foul resulted in a free throw for the opposing team."

  4. "The team was penalized for committing a foul during the match."

  5. "The coach was furious about the foul that cost his team the game."


Foul or Fowl
Foul or Fowl