ball used in playing softball
"The coach checked to make sure everyone was using the proper yellow softball during practice."
a game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer
"The team practiced their pitching drills on the softball field before heading to the stadium."
A game similar to baseball but played with a larger and softer ball which can be thrown overhand or underhand.
"The team practiced their pitches before heading out to play softball on the local field."
In plain English: Softball is a popular team sport played with a larger, softer ball and smaller bases than baseball.
"The team practiced their throws on the softball field every afternoon."
Usage: Softball is the specific name of this distinct sport, not an adjective describing something gentle like soft cheese. Use it only when referring to the actual athletic competition rather than as a synonym for baseball.
The word softball was coined around 1926 by combining the words "soft" and "ball." It entered English to distinguish this new game from the more dangerous sport known as hardball.