softball

American  

[sawft-bawl, soft-] / ˈsɔftˌbɔl, ˈsɒft- /

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.

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softball British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of softball

First recorded in 1925–30; soft + ball ¹

Example Sentences

A look at the top 20 high school softball teams in the Southland; as ranked by CalHiSports.com for The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Remy just became an Israeli citizen with the hope of joining the national softball team and pitching in the 2028 Olympic Games.

From Los Angeles Times

Twenty years from now Americans will be entertaining themselves with shared virtual-reality experiences, such as virtual travel experiences, golfing, skiing, tennis, basketball, softball, flower arranging, painting, learning experiences or visiting loved ones.

From The Wall Street Journal

A look at the top 20 high school softball teams in the Southland, as ranked by CalHiSports for The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

She has done videos with the No. 5 ranked gymnastics team and No. 7 softball team, where Jaquez spent time last season.

From Los Angeles Times