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

In addition, Rizzo has raised money for – and donated directly to – his former high school to help victims of the mass shooting and their families, as well as to provide lights for the school’s baseball and softball fields. —Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, Wallen donated $500,000 toward Parkwood Community Club for the revitalization of the historic Black baseball and softball complex in north Nashville in 2023. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Everything is a prepared statement or talking points or softball interviews. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

The vehicle was reportedly carrying members of the Minco softball team. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for softball

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

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