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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of softball

First recorded in 1925–30; soft + ball ¹

Example Sentences

A look at the Los Angeles Times’ 2026 All-Star softball team:

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Complete coverage of The Times’ All-Star baseball and softball teams, from the players and coaches of the year to capsules on each player and the final 2026 rankings.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Complete coverage of The Times’ All-Star baseball and softball teams, from the players and coaches of the year to capsules on each player and the final 2026 rankings.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

And, truthfully, there was one experience that, for a college softball player and lifelong New York Yankees fan, exceeded the others.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

“I was the first Black player on a state champion team. You just led the first all-Black team to a 12U softball district title. You earned this.”

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone