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

Why shouldn’t their town square prioritize strolling couples and amateur oil painters and kids tossing softballs over parking meters and hatchbacks?

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There was his mostly queer softball team — the Peacocks — his running group, his chosen family and his blood family.

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She added that more than $8 million had been earmarked for upgrades to the baseball, softball and soccer/track/lacrosse facilities — including the installation of outdoor lights.

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Authorities have not confirmed the identities of the deceased, but a friend of the group told KTLA-TV Channel 5 that they were all part of the same softball team.

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But he still sees the Sooners’ other 20 sports—including standout programs in gymnastics, baseball and softball—as key to retaining the essence of why people love college sports.

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