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

Others pointed out that Queens University, which has no football team but offers programs such as baseball, softball, and field hockey, will now have a football program. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025

Cohn listens intently, chiming in every so often to throw softball questions that set his team up to shine. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025

In spring training, Witt was also named the first Play Ball Ambassador to encourage youth participation in baseball and softball. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025

As part of that mission, Kendra got actively involved with her daughter and her school and coached her softball team, basketball team and volunteered at various events. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 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