softball

[ sawft-bawl, soft- ]

noun

1. a form of baseball played on a smaller diamond with a ball that is larger and softer than a baseball.
2. the ball itself.
3. something that can be easily dealt with:

   The confirmation committee threw her a softball on that question.

softball

/ ˈsɒftˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a variation of baseball using a larger softer ball, pitched underhand
2. the ball used
3. cookery the stage in the boiling of a sugar syrup at which it may be rubbed into balls after dipping in cold water

Word History and Origins

Origin of softball¹

First recorded in 1925–30; soft + ball ¹

Example Sentences

The decision to hold softball and canoe slalom in Oklahoma City, which has ideal facilities for those sports, has met with public pushback.

From Los Angeles Times

They used to play softball at the field just across the street from Yankee Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s more than being good in swimming or softball that earned them that college scholarship.

From Los Angeles Times

But that doesn't appear to be her closing podcast strategy, evidenced in her choice to spend a straightforward hour with Shannon Sharpe tossing her policy softballs on "Club Shay Shay."

From Salon

“Intramural Air Force softball really prepared me for the big leagues,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times