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

The Jupiter softball team is heading to the state final four as the host Warriors cruised past Centennial 15-0 in three innings in a 7A regional final on Thursday night. —Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2026

And softball is their place for a moment away from life’s challenges. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026

Brock cruises past Amarillo Randall Brock softball held a 3-1 lead over Amarillo Randall in the sixth inning at Abilene Christian University when the bats came alive. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026

When softball season resumed, head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez sensed that the sport that had once consumed so much of Grant’s emotional oxygen suddenly felt lighter in her arms. —Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 15 May 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