snowflake

noun

snow·​flake ˈsnō-ˌflāk 

1

: a flake or crystal of snow

2

: any of two genera (Leucojum or Acis) of Old World bulbous plants of the amaryllis family

especially : one (L. vernum) resembling the snowdrop

3

informal + usually disparaging

a

: someone regarded or treated as unique or special

… proclaim that parents need a way for their precious snowflakes to escape failing schools.

—Harold Cook

Baseball, like no other sport, has stats that make a special snowflake out of every player.

—Ben Rowen

b

: someone who is overly sensitive

One side derides the youth driving the movement as snowflakes and social justice warriors, too sensitive and too politically correct.

—Vanessa McCray

We are not delicate creatures. We are not snowflakes.

—Rosie DiManno

Examples of snowflake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So small and white, they could be mistaken for a cluster of snowflakes. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

According to AccuWeather, the first snowflakes of the season will be confined mainly to the mountains but could reach more populated areas later in November. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Snowy shots are bright while keeping highlight details like snowflakes and wisps of clouds visible even against white skies and ground. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Smiling people wear sweaters embellished with stars and snowflakes. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for snowflake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

snowflake

noun

snow·​flake ˈsnō-ˌflāk 

: a flake or crystal of snow