softball

noun

soft·​ball ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl 

1

: a sport similar to baseball played on a small diamond with a ball that is larger than a baseball and that is pitched underhand

also : the ball used in this game

2

: a question requiring only an easy or simple response

softballer

ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯ-lər 

noun

Examples of softball in a Sentence

Do you want to play softball?

All the questions in the interview were softballs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here are The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro softball teams for the 2024 season. —Mike Frainie, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2024

Listen to this article Palm Beach County featured two of the top softball players in the state this year. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2024

Martin would normally have to face Denton Guyer, a consistent softball powerhouse, to reach the state tournament. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2024

Travis Kelce is showing off his softball skills all in the name of a good cause. —Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 9 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

softball

noun

soft·​ball ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl 

: baseball played on a small diamond with a ball that is larger than a baseball and that is pitched underhand

also : the ball used in this game