softball

noun

soft·​ball ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl How to pronounce softball (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational in Florida , the UT softball team recorded 2-1 and 9-2 wins over No. 2 Tennessee and No. 9 Stanford. Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 After starring as a first baseman for Sacramento State’s softball team from 2009-12, Nakken joined the Giants as an intern in their baseball operations department in 2014. Steve Berman, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Quigley will be honored alongside Lindsay Chouinard Platt (softball), Drake Diener (men’s basketball), Missy Fraser (women’s track and field), Tim Nedow (men’s track and field) and Karen Loiacono (athletic department) during the Hall of Fame induction weekend from Jan. 10 through 12. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024 Participate in a variety of sports tournaments including volleyball, soccer, pickleball, kickball, softball and ultimate frisbee to raise money for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Alexis Clinton, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for softball 

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of softball was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near softball

Cite this Entry

“Softball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softball. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

softball

noun
soft·​ball ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl How to pronounce softball (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on softball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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