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softball

n.
US //ˈsɔfˌbɔɫ// UK //sˈɒftbɔːl// soft·ball
  1. 1 the sport (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a game like baseball played on a smaller field with a larger ball.

    a team sport similar to baseball, typically played on a smaller diamond with a larger, softer ball and underhand pitching.

    Example

    She joined the local softball team to meet new people in the neighborhood.

    Example

    The university's softball program has gained significant popularity since the installation of the new floodlit diamond last spring.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the sport itself.

  2. 2 the ball (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    the large, relatively soft ball used in the game of softball.

    the specific ball used in the sport, which is larger and less dense than a standard baseball.

    Example

    He threw the softball across the park to his friend.

    Example

    The coach inspected the softballs for damage before the start of the championship game.

    Usage

    Countable when referring to the physical object.

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  1. 3 an easy question (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    a question that is very easy to answer, often given to someone to make them look good.

    a question posed in an interview or debate that is intentionally easy to answer or designed to avoid controversy.

    Example

    The reporter asked the politician a few softballs before moving to the difficult topics.

    Example

    Critics accused the moderator of tossing the candidate softballs rather than pressing him on his controversial economic record.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is common in political journalism and media interviews to describe a lack of rigour.
Origin

1926: soft + ball. Compare hardball.

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