# softball

/ˈsɔfˌbɔɫ/ (US) · /sˈɒftbɔːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/softball
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the sport

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- He threw the softball across the park to his friend.
- The coach inspected the softballs for damage before the start of the championship game.

Usage: Countable when referring to the physical object.

### 3. an easy question

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

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

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

- The reporter asked the politician a few softballs before moving to the difficult topics.
- Critics accused the moderator of tossing the candidate softballs rather than pressing him on his controversial economic record.

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

## Examples

- We are playing softball in the park this afternoon.
- Many companies organize a softball team during the summer to encourage employees to exercise and socialize outside of the office.
- While the mechanics of softball mirror those of baseball, the underhand delivery and the density of the ball necessitate distinct tactical approaches to both hitting and defensive positioning.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.