wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

1

: any of several Old World perennial herbs (genus Erysimum synonym Cheiranthus) of the mustard family

especially : a hardy erect herb (E. cheiri synonym C. cheiri) widely cultivated for its showy fragrant flowers

2

a

: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains on the sidelines of a social activity (such as a dance)

b

: a shy or reserved person

Illustration of wallflower

• wallflower 1a

Synonyms

• introvert
• shrinking violet

Examples of wallflower in a Sentence

there were too many wallflowers at the party, so things never really got lively

Recent Examples on the Web

But seeing Penelope embrace main character energy on the hit series’ horniest season yet was a win for wallflowers everywhere. —Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 5 Sep. 2024

Bridgerton season 3, part 2 recap: Mirror mirror on the wallflower Remember the days when a show would air its finale in May and return in the fall? —Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 18 July 2024

But when she’s pushed over the edge and loses control, the wallflower is gone, replaced by a young woman capable of anything. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2024

Ultimately, the scene depicts Penelope's reclamation of her body and the shedding of her wallflower status, transforming her into an equal to Colin. —Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)