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.
The platform will target women’s sports across the professional and collegiate landscape, including the WNBA and NWSL, as well as NCAA basketball, softball, gymnastics and volleyball. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Dress sale Saturday to benefit Larkin girls sports teams The Larkin High School girls track program and softball teams’ annual dress sale fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the 1475 Larkin Ave. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 The company now plans to use those rights to elevate women’s sports like volleyball, softball and gymnastics, while feeding a desire by marketers looking to increase their spend in that area. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025 The Comets softball team, which is ranked second in California, ran its record to 13-2 with three wins last week. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Softball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softball. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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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