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

Such over-the-top pieces aren’t for wallflowers, or even the typical watch enthusiast, but there’s no denying the sophistication of their calibers. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

This Month’s Critic’s Pick *Sweetpea Year: 2024 Length: 1 season, 6 episodes Creator: Kirstie Swain An adaptation of the book by the same name by CJ Skuse gives Yellowjackets and Fallout star Ella Purnell her juiciest role to date, playing a wallflower turned serial killer named Rhiannon Lewis. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2024

But thanks to familial connections to the Mexican ambassador in London, wallflower Isabel is poised to unearth any British intelligence hidden by the ton that might aid Mexico during the French Occupation. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 15 Sep. 2024

To be a wallflower at the Studio Museum in Harlem’s annual gala one must be equipped for whip-smart stories and be ever-ready for poignant details on the ongoing endeavors of the institution. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 Oct. 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)