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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in this Brian De Palma classic, the wallflower eventually gets her revenge in the spectacularly gory prom climax (even disposing of a Kotter-era John Travolta). Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025 Cameras have rolled in London on Season 2 of Sweetpea, which stars Purnell as the killer wallflower. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025 Forget those wallflowers and wow your guests with the extrovert of the dessert world. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 Wolodarsky’s voice has such a wallflower quality to it, apt for Kylie, whose asides are barely acknowledged half the time. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wallflower

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wallflower was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Wallflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wallflower. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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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