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 of wallflower

• introvert
• mouse

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

In the Season 1 finale, fans learned that Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) was behind the Lady Whistledown gossip pamphlet, and used her writing as an escape from life as an unnoticed wallflower. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026

Tiffany was by no means a wallflower on her original season. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026

This is not simply the unlikelihood of a popular guy finally noticing his wallflower best friend (like the story of Colin and Penelope in season 3). —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026

This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers. —Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for wallflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

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