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

The Zoey 101 alum and younger sister of Britney Spears, 33, revealed on Instagram on Monday that Maddie has solidified her college plans and committed to playing softball at the University of Southern Mississippi. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

The group of coaches and GMs selected for the first season are prominent softball figures. —Noah Furtado, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Simpson, who is a junior, is the only player to ever wear the No. 99 for the Texas softball program. —Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

The park is 27 acres, includes fields for football, baseball, softball and soccer, parking and the playground. —Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 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