wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)
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

Illustration of wallflower
  • wallflower 1a

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 At first a wallflower dressed in cutsey florals, Penelope’s confidence and style evolved into more mature, deep gem tones. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2024 Each option is also elevated–not one of these designs is for wallflowers–they’re for those who like to stick out in a room or just in the office, according to Blackwood. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 27 Sep. 2024 For the first time in God knows how long, the former wallflower walks away from the encounter with a spring in her step and her head held high. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 From Kirstie Swain, Sweetpea stars Yellowjackets’ Ella Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis, a quiet wallflower who develops a vengeful and intoxicatingly liberating taste for murder. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wallflower 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wallflower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wallflower was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near wallflower

Cite this Entry

“Wallflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wallflower. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wallflower

noun
wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)
: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)

More from Merriam-Webster on wallflower

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