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

Drive by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, light tunnels and more. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Dec. 2025

Small snowflakes, candy-canes, Christmas trees, or even little reindeer are all fun ways to add an easy spin on a classic Linzer cookie. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025

Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, whose clientele includes Hailey Bieber, Christina Aguilera, and Adele, paints on a sheer glitter polish on top of a classic French mani and adds snowflake details for a festive finishing touch. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025

His cheerful face is flanked by rows of Fair Isle-style snowflakes, white fountain cups, and Golden Arches. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for snowflake

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

Kids Definition

snowflake

noun

snow·​flake ˈsnō-ˌflāk 

: a flake or crystal of snow