softball

noun

soft·​ball ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl How to pronounce softball (audio)
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 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
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.
Addison Moorman of Granada Hills is the City Section player of the year in softball. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 In Sunday’s editions of June 22, look for the 2025 Spring All-County section, honoring the top athletes in track and field, baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, water polo, boys weightlifting, boys volleyball and beach volleyball. Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025 More than 300 softball teams from 31 states will be spread across the Kansas City area this weekend for the largest invitational tournament in the United States. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025 That day, Gaines mocked a Minnesota youth softball team for including a transgender female athlete on their team. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for softball

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of softball was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Softball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softball. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

softball

noun
soft·​ball ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl How to pronounce softball (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on softball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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