Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sport similar to baseball: A game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller field (diamond) and with a ball that is larger and softer than a standard baseball.
   • The ball used in that sport: The specific, larger, and softer ball used in playing the game of softball.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sport):
  • Our company has a co-ed softball league every summer.
  • She joined a recreational softball team to meet new people and get some exercise.
• Noun (Ball):
  • The pitcher threw the yellow softball over the plate for a strike.
  • We need to buy a new softball; this one is getting worn out.

Advanced Usage

• "Softball question": An idiom describing an easy question, especially one asked in an interview or debate that is intended to be simple to answer.
  • The journalist started the press conference with a few softball questions before addressing the more controversial topics.

Variants and Related Words

• Fast-pitch softball: A competitive variant of the game characterized by windmill-style pitching.
• Slow-pitch softball: A recreational variant of the game where the ball is pitched in a high arc.
• Softballer (n): A player of softball.

Synonyms

• Diamond sport (informal, referring to the field shape).
• Pigskin (This is incorrect; "pigskin" refers to a football. A correct synonym for the ball is simply game ball in context).

Related Phrases

• To play softball: To participate in the sport.
  • He plays softball every Wednesday night.
• Softball game/match: An instance of playing the sport.
  • We have a crucial softball game this weekend for the championship.

Related Idioms

• "Softball interview": An interview where the questions are not challenging or critical.
  • The candidate was relieved it was a softball interview and not a rigorous interrogation.

Noun

1. a game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer
2. ball used in playing softball