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

Ali Gill reached 100 career hits, finishing 2-for-3 with a home run as King Philip (5-0) shut out Hockomock League rival Foxboro, 12-0, in softball action. —Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

But they are linked by how their passion for softball was ruined by their experience playing for coach Angie Nicholson, both players said. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026

Welcome to the Tuesday, April 7, 2026, private school baseball and softball edition of the Fastball, a Star-Telegram series highlighting Fort Worth-area teams. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs — or 11 to 12 inches in diameter — and winds of more than 100 mph. —Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 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