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

It’s surfers, volleyball players, baseball players, football players, softball players, swimmers — they all getting into the action.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of the Games will be held across Los Angeles and southern California, but both canoeing and softball will be held in Oklahoma.

From BBC

Oklahoma City will host the softball and canoe slalom events.

From Los Angeles Times

Outrage simmers among the kids when one of the audience volunteers gets the softball “pineapple.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Oklahoma City will host the softball and canoe slalom events at existing facilities.

From Los Angeles Times