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

Instead of respecting the postgame interview process, Sarkisian blew off Rowe’s attempt to toss him congratulatory softballs. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

But stubborn stereotypes continue to cast baseball as a sport for men and softball as the acceptable equivalent for women. — Callie Maddox, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Hedricks plays outfield in softball and will move from right field to center in the spring. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The Colorado Peaches are recognized as the oldest women's softball team in the country. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

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